Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet while reporting live during violent protests in downtown Los Angeles. Demonstrations against President Trump’s immigration crackdown turned chaotic on June 8, with police clashing with protesters near the Metropolitan Detention Centre. While covering the unrest, Tomasi was hit by a rubber bullet—an incident caught on camera, sparking immediate outrage.
Footage aired by Nine News shows a bystander yelling, “You just f**king shot the reporter!” as Tomasi tried to stay composed. The network confirmed the injury and called it a “stark reminder” of the risks journalists face on the frontlines. Despite the hit, Tomasi and her camera crew are safe and continuing their reporting.
Australian lawmakers reacted strongly, with Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young demanding accountability and urging Prime Minister Albanese to address the issue directly with President Trump. The LAPD later declared an unlawful assembly, while the National Guard was deployed—moves that triggered further political backlash from local leaders.
