There’s been intense chaos and unrest in Los Angeles over the past few days.
Caught right in the middle of the turmoil was Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi — hit by a rubber bullet during the violent clashes.
“You just f**king shot the reporter”
Lauren Tomasi, Nine News’ U.S. correspondent, has been covering the protests that erupted in response to President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration crackdown.
On Sunday, June 8, demonstrators flooded downtown Los Angeles, with some setting vehicles on fire near the Metropolitan Detention Centre.
The day had began quietly, with relatively small groups protesting the immigration raids, but tensions quickly escalated as crowds swelled to thousands by the afternoon.
Reporting live from 257 E Temple Street, Tomasi described how the LAPD was “moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters.” Just moments later, the chaos hit close to home — Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet.
A bystander’s voice pierced the noise: “You just f**king shot the reporter.”
Tomasi remained calm, responding, “I’m good,” when someone checked if she was alright. Footage released by Nine News appears to show an officer deliberately aiming in her direction before opening fire. The network later confirmed in a 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 informatio