Australian Journalist Struck by Rubber Bullet Amid Escalating LA Protests: A Press Freedom Flashpoint
What began as routine coverage of mounting protests in Los Angeles took a shocking and unsettling turn when Australian correspondent Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet—allegedly fired by police—live on camera.
Was it a moment of chaotic misjudgment, or a troubling sign of journalists becoming deliberate targets in an increasingly hostile environment?
As video footage circulates showing an officer seemingly aiming directly at Tomasi, urgent questions arise about the safety of reporters, law enforcement tactics, and the broader implications for press freedom.
The recent protests erupted in response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions, setting downtown LA aflame with unrest.
On Sunday, June 8, what initially appeared to be peaceful demonstrations near the Metropolitan Detention Center quickly spiraled into violence, with some protesters setting fire to vehicles as police mounted on horseback pushed to disperse the swelling crowds.
Lauren Tomasi, reporting for Nine News as the U.S. correspondent, was stationed at 257 E Temple Street, capturing the unfolding chaos. Describing the scene, she noted police firing rubber bullets to control the crowd—only moments before becoming a victim herself.
Captured on live video, the moment is harrowing: an LAPD officer appears to take deliberate aim before firing a rubber bullet that struck Tomasi.
Bystanders immediately reacted in shock, one shouting, “You just shot the reporter!” Remarkably, despite the sudden impact, Tomasi kept her composure and reassured concerned onlookers with a calm, “I’m good.”
Nine News quickly addressed the incident, stating, “Lauren Tomasi was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the protests. She and her camera operator remain safe and committed to reporting. This event highlights the grave risks journalists face on the frontlines of civil unrest.”
The shooting has triggered an international outcry. Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young demanded accountability, calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to confront U.S. leaders about protecting Australian journalists abroad. “A free press is vital to democracy,” she emphasized. “Targeting journalists cannot be tolerated.”
In response to the unrest, the LAPD declared an “unlawful assembly” and urged both residents and media personnel to steer clear of the Civic Center district.
President Trump labeled the situation as descending into “lawless chaos” and reportedly pushed for National Guard involvement, though LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed militarized intervention, instead urging peace and dialogue.
Mayor Bass tweeted, “Don’t give in to fear and division. Angelenos, we are stronger than this.”
Though the violence was geographically contained, the risks to both protesters and reporters like Tomasi are undeniable. Her experience is a stark illustration of the increasing perils faced by journalists covering volatile events—where simply bearing witness can put them in harm’s way.
Final Thoughts:
Lauren Tomasi’s injury during the Los Angeles protests underscores a disturbing trend: journalists are increasingly vulnerable in conflict zones, even in democracies.
As demonstrations over immigration policies intensify, so too does the threat to those documenting the truth. Tomasi’s poised response and her news outlet’s support highlight the essential, yet dangerous, role reporters play in holding power accountable.
The global response, including demands for U.S. accountability from Australian officials, signals growing unease over the erosion of press freedoms. This incident stands as a powerful reminder: in turbulent times, the pursuit of truth often comes at a high and undeniable cost.