An Australian journalist who was struck by a rubber bullet while covering immigration raid protests in Los Angeles, US, shared a message after the incident that stood out.
Lauren Tomasi, Nine News’ US correspondent, found herself in the middle of chaos outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre in downtown LA, where demonstrators had gathered to protest against US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Things took a sharp turn when the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and National Guard forces clashed with protesters.
While reporting live from the scene, 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 footage showed an officer apparently aiming directly at Tomasi and her camera operator. The impact made her cry out in pain and reach for her calf. Despite the obvious injury, she stayed calm and assured those nearby, “I’m good.”
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.
Take a look at the post here:
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.
Several Australian lawmakers spoke out and called the shooting unacceptable. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take up the issue with the US, insisting that the first thing he should say to President Trump at the upcoming G7 meeting is: “Stop shooting at our journalists.”
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but urged for a full investigation. Greens Senator Nick McKim, meanwhile, demanded that the government express its displeasure “at the highest possible level.”
The Guardian also reported that this wasn’t an isolated incident. A day earlier, British photojournalist Nick Stern was injured during a similar protest in the city.
The LAPD had declared the protest site an “unlawful assembly” zone and issued an advisory to the media to maintain a distance from active operations. Still, geolocation data confirmed Tomasi was shot near the ICE field office, one of the key flashpoints of the protest.