In a surprising and disturbing incident that occurred during the intense protests in Los Angeles against federal immigration raids, Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet fired by the police. This action, perceived by some as “intentional”, happened while she was reporting live from the scene.
On June 6, federal agents executed a significant operation, storming a garment factory in Los Angeles’ Fashion District, which was just one of the several immigration raids conducted in the city as reported by the New York Times.
The news of these raids quickly spread, prompting large groups of angry protesters to fill the streets. With chants, they blocked traffic and confronted police and tactical units in a heated conflict that escalated tensions within the city.
As night fell, the protesters remained active, confronting the police while chanting and blocking streets.
Initially, LAPD officers were ordered to stand back, which left federal agents vulnerable and overwhelmed.
Protesters responded aggressively, launching fireworks, hurling bricks, and setting vehicles ablaze. President Donald Trump subsequently ordered the National Guard’s deployment, marking the first time since the 1965 Watts Riots that federal troops took control in LA without state consent.
Report from the Heart of the Protest
Amidst the chaos was Lauren Tomasi, an Australian journalist, who was reporting live from outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a central point for the protests, for 9News Australia.
“Authorities have instructed people to vacate this area, but the protesters remain defiant,” Tomasi reported live. “We feel secure here, although it is quite loud. You can see police officers are firing rubber bullets at protestors.”
The live broadcast ended shortly after, allowing Tomasi and her cameraman to find a safer spot, as noted by 9News.
The Disturbing Incident Unfolds
Roughly an hour later, Tomasi resumed her broadcast, describing how the “situation had gotten worse quickly.”
“The LAPD are advancing on horseback,” she reported, with gunfire audible in the background.
Remarkably, just seconds after her live segment had ended, one police officer reportedly turned toward Tomasi and fired at her from a short distance.
Tomasi, who is about to take up a prominent role as Washington Bureau correspondent, was seen falling to the ground after being hit by the rubber bullet, visibly fired by a police officer, and smoke from the weapon swirling in the air.
“You just shot a journalist!” one protester exclaimed at the police, while others quickly moved to support the dazed reporter.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” reassured Tomasi.
The Reality of Reporting in Unstable Times
“I’m okay. My cameraman Jimmy and I are safe,” Tomasi confirmed later that night. “This is a harsh reality of reporting on such situations.”
“Today has been incredibly turbulent on the streets of Los Angeles, and I’d like to share with you the current scene,” she said, broadcasting from quiet streets now cleared of the day’s chaos. “The city has made it clear that anyone found on these streets will be detained immediately.”
“There’s been significant unrest today, and even more so tonight,” she continued, describing the palpable anger amongst the city’s residents.
Purposeful Targeted Attack?
As footage of the incident circulated globally, the debate intensified with many asserting the shot was a deliberate attack on an “unarmed journalist.”
“You see him aim directly at her. Unreal,” tweeted an outraged user, sharing a clip showing the officer aiming his weapon in Tomasi’s direction.
“This officer who shot Australian Journalist Lauren Tomasi needs immediate dismissal. It’s outrageous for them to decry riots while antagonizing situations like this,” another user seethed.
“Purposefully aimed at her, moving away, on air. No perceived threat. Clear line of sight. This wasn’t an errant shot. It was deliberate!” penned a third, sharing an image suggesting the officer intentionally targeted Tomasi.
Call for Accountability
The 9News publisher put forth a statement assuring the public of Tomasi and her cameraman’s safety, applauding their continued commitment to reporting on critical events.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the hazards journalists face while reporting from protest frontlines, emphasizing the crucial role they play in delivering vital news.”
South Australian Senator Sarah Hanson-Young was vocal in her criticism, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to address the matter directly with President Trump.
“US forces openly attacking an Australian journalist is utterly scandalous,” Hanson-Young stated to 9News. “It cannot be accepted and needs to be publicly repudiated.
“The Prime Minister must seek an immediate clarification from the US government. In his upcoming meeting with President Trump, his foremost request should be the cessation of attacks on journalists.”
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