Australian journalist struck by bullet during LA protest coverage: 'Important to keep on telling stories'
PTC News Desk: An Australian journalist was shot in her leg by a rubber bullet while covering immigration raid protests in Los Angeles , US.
The journalist Lauren Tomasi, a from Nine News was gripped by chaos outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre in downtown LA where demonstrators had gathered to protest against US President Donald Trump's crackdown over immigration. The protest took an ugly turn when the police officials clashed with the protestors.
While covering the protest, Tomasi described the mounting tension: “After hours of standing off, this situation has now rapidly deteriorated,” she said. “The LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters.” Seconds later, she was hit. The video of the incident is doing rounds on social media which shows an officer aiming directly at Tomasi and her cameraperson. Despite the visible injury she seemed calmed and composed and said that she is okay.
Later in a post on X, Tomasi addressed the incident and reassured viewers. “Hey there. Thanks for all your messages – I’m a bit sore, but I’m okay. Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told,” she wrote, along with the broadcast from that day.
Hey there. Thanks for all your messages - I'm a bit sore, but I'm okay. Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told. Here's our report on what unfolded in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/S8AvjQuFA7 — Lauren Tomasi (@LaurenTomasi) June 9, 2025
In a statement, Nine News backed their reporter and highlighted the importance of journalistic safety: “Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet. Lauren and her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these events.”
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that all journalists should be able to work safely and that the country supports media freedom.
- With inputs from agencies
