Australian Reporter Hit by Rubber Bullet While Covering LA Protests

Los Angeles has been gripped by chaos in recent days, with protests erupting in response to President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration crackdown. Caught in the crossfire was Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi, struck by a rubber bullet while reporting on the escalating unrest.

On Sunday, June 8, what began as small, peaceful demonstrations near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA spiraled into fiery clashes. By afternoon, thousands had gathered, some setting vehicles ablaze as tensions boiled over.

Nine News’ U.S. correspondent, Lauren Tomasi, was on the scene at 257 E Temple Street, delivering a live report on the chaos. She described police moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Moments later, she became part of the story.

A bystander’s shout cut through the noise: “You just f***ing shot the reporter!” Video footage from Nine News appears to show an LAPD officer deliberately aiming in Tomasi’s direction before firing. Despite the shock, Tomasi stayed composed, reassuring a concerned onlooker with a calm, “I’m good.”

Nine News later released a statement: “Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet while covering the protests. Both she and her camera operator are safe and will continue their vital work. This incident is a sobering reminder of the risks journalists face on the frontlines, underscoring the critical role they play in keeping the public informed.”

The incident has sparked outrage, with Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young demanding answers from U.S. officials. “Prime Minister Anthony Albanese must tell President Trump to stop targeting our journalists,” she said. “A free press is the backbone of any thriving democracy.”

The protests, fueled by anger over recent immigration raids, prompted the LAPD to declare an “unlawful assembly” and warn both the public and media to avoid the Civic Center area. President Trump, describing LA as a city spiraling into “lawless chaos,” reportedly pushed for the National Guard’s deployment to support strained police forces. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have both criticized the move, urging calm and restraint.

“Don’t give this administration what it wants,” Bass wrote on X, pleading with residents to reject violence. “Angelenos, we are better than this.”

Despite Trump’s claims, the unrest remains largely confined to a few blocks in downtown LA. Still, the dangers are undeniable—not just for protesters, but for journalists like Tomasi, who risk their safety to bring these stories to light.

As the situation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder: the frontlines of protest are growing ever more perilous, and those committed to telling the truth are often in the line of fire.