An Australian reporter was involved in an incident during a protest in Los Angeles where police used rubber bullets as tensions rose on Sunday.
Lauren Tomasi, the US correspondent for Australia’s Nine News, detailed how the situation escalated rapidly. Just before the attack, she reported live from downtown Los Angeles, saying, “After hours of walking away, this situation quickly got worse.”
She noted that the LAPD, moving on horseback, fired rubber bullets at protesters and advanced through key streets in LA. Moments later, footage captured her visibly shaken as she reacted to being hit.
Amidst the chaos, someone off-camera exclaimed, “You just f—ing shot the reporter,” while another person inquired if she was okay. Tomasi assured them, “I’m fine.”
Hours later, Tomasi resumed reporting, checking in with an Australian anchor for updates on her situation. “I’m fine. My photographer, Jimmy, and I are both safe. It’s just one of those unfortunate realities of reporting on events like these. This was a truly unpredictable day in Los Angeles,” she explained.
In a statement issued after the incident, Nine News confirmed that Tomasi had been struck by a rubber bullet but was safe and able to continue covering vital stories. The outlet emphasized the dangers journalists face while reporting live from protests, highlighting the importance of their role in disseminating crucial information.
Similarly, British photographer Nick Stern was injured during anti-ICE protests in LA last weekend and is now recovering from surgery. He expressed his initial fear about whether live ammunition was being used, noting that he felt a “sponge bullet” hit his thigh.
Some protesters assisted him, helping him as he noticed blood running down his legs, reflecting the harsh realities present at such events.
