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 information.”
Demands an explanation
Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young responded swiftly, demanding an explanation from U.S. officials.
“The first thing [Prime Minister Anthony Albanese] must tell the president is to stop shooting at our journalists,” she said. “Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a strong, functioning democracy.”
The protests, centered around recent immigration raids, had already prompted the LAPD to declare an “unlawful assembly” and issue warnings via social media for both the public and press to stay clear of the Civic Center area.
The incident has sparked international outrage and renewed scrutiny on law enforcement’s use of force during civil unrest. Meanwhile, President Trump reportedly urged the LAPD to “bring in the troops,” and the National Guard has since been deployed to reinforce overwhelmed police forces.
”Don’t give the administration what it wants”
Trump has described Los Angeles as lawless chaos where Democratic leaders have lost control. Yet, so far, the unrest remains confined to just a few blocks in downtown.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is urging residents to put an end to the violence.
“Angelenos — do not take part in violence and chaos. Don’t give the administration what it wants,” she wrote on X.
Both Mayor Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have publicly opposed Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles.
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the frontlines of protest are becoming increasingly dangerous — not just for demonstrators, but for those trying to tell their stories.
