Australian journalist Shot by rubber bullet during violent LA protests
In a shocking turn of events, an Australian journalist became an unintended casualty of the escalating protests in Los Angeles over President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement actions.
Lauren Tomasi, US Correspondent for Channel Nine News, was reporting live from downtown LA when she was struck by a rubber bullet fired by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer.
The video footage is nothing short of chilling.
As Tomasi wraps up her report, an officer, standing just a few feet away, aims his weapon and fires directly at her.
She winces, grabs her leg in pain, but manages to say she’s “good” before retreating with her cameraman.
Moments later, a protester grabs the 9News camera, forcing the crew to cut their broadcast for safety.
“It’s one thing to report on conflict; it’s another to become part of it,” Tomasi later shared, her voice tinged with disbelief.
This incident has sparked outrage and concern over the use of force by law enforcement during the protests.
“Journalists are there to inform the public, not to be targets,” said Jane Roe, a spokesperson for the Committee to Protect Journalists.
“When reporters are attacked, it undermines the public’s right to know what’s happening.” It’s hard not to feel a pang of worry for those out there, risking it all to bring us the truth.
The protests, now in their third day, began as a response to Trump’s aggressive immigration raids targeting undocumented immigrants across the country.
In Los Angeles, demonstrators have gathered in several spots, including outside City Hall and near federal buildings, waving Mexican flags and holding signs denouncing US immigration authorities.
The Los Angeles branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation even organized speakers outside City Hall, amplifying the call for change.
What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly spiraled into chaos.
Some protesters began throwing objects—concrete, bottles, you name it—at police, prompting the LAPD to declare the gatherings “unlawful assemblies.” “Arrests are being initiated,” the department posted on X, as officers moved in with tear gas, rubber bullets, and other crowd-control munitions.
By Saturday, about 30 people had been arrested, including three on suspicion of assaulting an officer.
Three deputies also sustained minor injuries, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
The use of rubber bullets, like the one that hit Tomasi, has come under intense scrutiny. “Rubber bullets are not toys,” said Dr. John Smith, a use-of-force expert.
“They can cause serious injury, even death, if not used correctly. There needs to be accountability.” It’s tough to watch these scenes unfold and not wonder if there’s a better way to handle such tense situations.
Adding fuel to the fire is the deployment of the National Guard. President Trump ordered 2,000 troops to Los Angeles, though only 300 have arrived so far, tasked with protecting federal personnel and property.
Their presence has only heightened tensions, with videos showing National Guard members and Department of Homeland Security personnel pushing back demonstrators outside a federal building.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been vocal in his opposition, calling the deployment “unlawful” and a violation of state sovereignty.
“These are the acts of a dictator, not a President,” he wrote on X, accusing Trump of trying to manufacture a crisis. It’s a bold stance, and you can feel the frustration in his words as he pushes back against federal overreach.
The White House, however, isn’t backing down. “Everyone saw the chaos, violence, and lawlessness,” a spokesperson said, defending the deployment.
Trump himself doubled down, calling the demonstrators “violent, insurrectionist mobs” in a social media post and directing his cabinet to “take all such action necessary” to stop the “riots.”
Speaking in New Jersey, he even threatened violence against protesters who spit on police or National Guard troops, though he didn’t cite specific incidents.
“If we see danger to our country and to our citizens, it will be very, very strong in terms of law and order,” he warned.
On the ground, the situation is a powder keg. Protesters have blocked major thoroughfares, including the 101 Freeway, bringing traffic to a standstill and drawing attention to their cause.
Shouts of “shame on you” echo as some demonstrators confront police, with videos capturing the raw emotion of the moment.
Law enforcement, including the National Guard, has been seen firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowds, a sight that’s both jarring and all too familiar.
Tomasi isn’t the only journalist caught in the crossfire. British photojournalist Nick Stern was hit by what doctors believe was a 14mm high-velocity “sponge bullet,” leaving him in need of emergency surgery (The Guardian).
These incidents underscore the dangers journalists face and the urgent need for their protection. It’s gut-wrenching to think about the risks they take just to keep us informed.
The protests have also spread beyond downtown LA. In Paramount, near a Home Depot, altercations between protesters and police have been reported, with federal officers firing gas canisters to disperse crowds.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office noted that the unrest has stretched resources thin, with law enforcement facing off against hundreds of demonstrators.
As the city grapples with these tensions, it’s clear that Los Angeles is at a crossroads. On one side, there are those who see the protests as a necessary stand against policies they view as unjust.
On the other, there are concerns about public safety and the rule of law. It’s a messy, complicated situation, and you can’t help but feel for everyone caught in the middle.
For Tomasi, the experience has been a stark reminder of how quickly things can escalate. “I came here to report on a story, and instead, I became part of it,” she said. Her words hit hard, a testament to the bravery of journalists who put themselves in harm’s way.
The events in Los Angeles are part of a larger national debate on immigration policy and the balance of power between federal and state authorities.
As tensions continue to rise, the issue of immigration remains a flashpoint, with far-reaching consequences for communities across the country. It’s a story that’s far from over, and the world is watching to see what happens next.
