An Australian journalistm Lauren Tomasim was struck by police-fired projectiles during escalating protests in Los Angeles this weekend, amid broader national unrest following President Donald Trump‘s immigration enforcement raids.
Why It Matters
The shooting of a journalist by police using less-lethal munitions raises international concerns about press freedom and the safety of reporters covering unrest. It highlights the increasingly aggressive stance of U.S. law enforcement toward media during demonstrations.
After a series of immigration raids on Friday sparked a large protest in the city, the president federalized the California National Guard and deployed troops to Los Angeles, despite objections from Governor Gavin Newsom.
U.S. Correspondent Lauren Tomasi has been caught in the crossfire as the LAPD fired rubber bullets at protesters in the heart of Los Angeles. #9NewsLATEST: https://t.co/l5w7JxixxB pic.twitter.com/nvQ7m9TGLj
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) June 9, 2025
What To Know
Tomasi, a U.S. correspondent for 9News Australia, was hit by less-lethal rounds near Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday evening while documenting clashes between demonstrators and heavily armed police.
Less-lethal munitions can refer to rubber bullets, pepper spray, tear gas, and electric-shock weapons, among others.
A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: “The Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles is in contact with an Australian injured in protests, and stands ready to provide consular assistance if required.”
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been urged to seek an “urgent explanation” from Trump.
National Guard troops were mobilized to reinforce local police, and armored vehicles and military personnel became visible across key intersections in L.A.
In recent years, organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders have flagged the United States for a rise in press-targeted violence during protests.
According to a 2024 report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, attacks on journalists in the U.S. increased by more than 50 percent from 2023 to 2024, with members of the media facing threats including violence, online harassment, legal challenges, and attacks by police.
Reporters Without Borders has also condemned arrests and violence against journalists covering protests, urging law enforcement agencies to protect and respect the rights of all media personnel.
How Did the Protests Break Out?
Protests in Los Angeles erupted following immigration raids conducted in the city by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE). As tensions escalated, Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops and used federal authority to place them under national command, bypassing Newsom without invoking the Insurrection Act.
Heavily armed police and National Guard troops were deployed to disperse demonstrators in Downtown L.A. What were described initially as peaceful protests escalated as crowds attempted to block roads and took part in vandalism.
Law enforcement officials cited threats to public safety, including property damage and officer injuries, as justification for escalating their tactics. However, video footage captured by bystanders and media raised questions about the proportionality of force used, including against credentialed reporters.
What Happens Next
As investigations into Tomasi’s injury begin, the Australian government has reportedly initiated diplomatic inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The LAPD has not publicly commented on whether the journalist was targeted or struck inadvertently.
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