An Australian journalist found herself directly in the line of fire while covering the escalating unrest in Los Angeles. Nine's US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was shot with a rubber bullet by riot police as violent protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies continued for a third day.
According to the Daily Mail, the incident occurred Sunday evening as Tomasi was reporting live on the "rapidly deteriorating" situation in downtown Los Angeles. The shocking moment was captured on camera, showing Tomasi doubling over in pain after being struck.
Just seconds before being hit, Tomasi had informed viewers that "The LAPD are moving in on horseback and firing rubber bullets at protesters" and that police were "moving them (protesters) on through the heart of LA." Several loud bangs were heard in the distance before a police officer turned his weapon toward her position and fired.
The confrontation sparked immediate outrage from nearby protesters, with one person clearly heard yelling at law enforcement, "You just f***ing shot a reporter." Despite the close-range impact, Tomasi quickly attempted to reassure concerned bystanders by repeatedly shouting, "I'm good, I'm good."
Nine Network later confirmed that their correspondent was "left sore but otherwise unharmed" by the rubber bullet. The broadcaster did not indicate whether they would file any formal complaint regarding the incident, which highlights the increasing dangers facing journalists covering the widespread civil unrest.
This shooting comes as law enforcement tactics face growing scrutiny amid the intensifying demonstrations. The LAPD has authorized the "use of less lethal munitions" to regain control of the city as violence has continued to spread through downtown areas and onto major roadways.
President Donald Trump has taken decisive action by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to the city and placing an additional 500 Marines on standby. The federal response has created further political tension between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The escalating conflict has sparked a heated public exchange between the two leaders. Newsom has accused Trump of intentionally inflaming tensions through his immigration policies, while Trump responded on Sunday with a Truth Social post demanding apologies from both Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
In his statement, Trump rejected characterizations of the participants as "peaceful protesters," instead labeling them as "troublemakers and insurrectionists." This language echoes terminology previously used during other periods of civil unrest and indicates the administration's hardline approach to the situation.
Law enforcement officials faced significant challenges containing protests that spilled onto the 101 Freeway, where more than 2,000 demonstrators blocked both northbound and southbound lanes. The highway takeover trapped motorists in standstill traffic as protesters marched with flags and signs.
The situation became increasingly dangerous for police as protesters began throwing "concrete, bottles and other objects" at officers in the Alameda and Temple areas. At least two officers required medical treatment after being injured when motorcyclists drove through crowds and ran over authorities, with both riders subsequently detained.
Additional violent incidents included officers reportedly being struck by fireworks while attempting to disperse crowds. Some protesters were also observed carrying provocative displays, including what were described as 3D creations of Trump's severed head mounted on poles, further illustrating the hostile nature of the demonstrations.
The widespread demonstrations that led to Tomasi's injury are directly linked to President Trump's intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and increased raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These policies have triggered passionate opposition throughout California.
Downtown Los Angeles has been particularly hard hit, with protesters creating blockades using chained furniture and other objects to disrupt traffic flow. More alarming scenes included vehicles being set ablaze, releasing toxic smoke as violence continued into its third day across multiple neighborhoods.
The confrontation between Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi and LAPD officers underscores the volatile nature of the ongoing protests against Trump's immigration policies. While Nine Network confirmed their correspondent escaped serious injury, the incident highlights the increasing dangers facing journalists covering civil unrest as tensions between federal authorities and California leaders continue to escalate.
