Australian Reporter Shot by Rubber Bullet During Violent Los Angeles Protests
Violence erupted in downtown Los Angeles over the weekend, throwing the city into chaos as tensions surrounding President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration crackdown reached a boiling point. In the midst of the unrest, Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi found herself directly in the line of fire.
Reporter Injured on Air: “You just f**king shot the reporter”
Tomasi, a U.S. correspondent for Nine News, had been reporting live from the protests when the situation took a terrifying turn. Demonstrators had flooded the streets near the Metropolitan Detention Centre on Sunday, June 8, and while the day had started peacefully, it quickly spiraled into violence. By afternoon, fires raged and confrontations between police and protestors intensified.
Tomasi was broadcasting from 257 E Temple Street when she described police moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at the crowd. Moments later, she was struck by one of those bullets herself.
Shocked voices filled the air as a bystander screamed,
“You just f**king shot the reporter!”
Tomasi remained composed despite the chaos. When someone asked if she was okay, she responded simply, I’m good. But video footage aired by Nine News appears to show an officer deliberately targeting her before opening fire.
Nine News Responds: “A stark reminder of the risks journalists face”
The incident quickly gained international attention. Nine News confirmed the event in an official statement:
“Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet. Lauren and her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these events. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information.”
Calls for Accountability from Australian Lawmakers
The shooting has triggered political fallout, with Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young demanding answers from U.S. officials. She urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to confront the issue directly with President Trump:
“The first thing he must tell the president is to stop shooting at our journalists. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a strong, functioning democracy.”
LAPD Declares Unlawful Assembly as National Guard Moves In
The unrest, which stemmed from mass immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration, prompted the LAPD to declare an unlawful assembly in the Civic Center area. Authorities warned both the public and the press to steer clear of protest zones, citing safety concerns.
Meanwhile, President Trump has labeled Los Angeles as lawless chaos and reportedly encouraged law enforcement to bring in the troops. In response, the National Guard has been deployed to support overwhelmed local forces, sparking further controversy and political backlash.
Mayor and Governor Push Back: “Don’t give the administration what it wants”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge calm, pleading with residents to reject violence:
“Angelenos — do not take part in violence and chaos. Don’t give the administration what it wants.”
She and California Governor Gavin Newsom have both publicly opposed Trump’s decision to bring in the military, arguing that it will only escalate an already volatile situation.
Freedom of the Press at Risk
What began as peaceful protests has now turned into a dangerous battleground — not only for demonstrators but also for the journalists risking their safety to report the truth. Lauren Tomasi’s injury is more than an isolated incident; it raises critical questions about press freedom and the growing hostility toward media professionals amid political unrest.
As Los Angeles tries to recover from days of turmoil, the message is clear: journalism is not a crime — and those who report the truth deserve protection, not punishment.
