In a troubling incident during a live broadcast outside a Los Angeles detention centre, 9News correspondent Lauren Tomasi was shot with a rubber bullet as tensions flared amid ongoing protests against mass immigration raids. The shocking event, captured on video, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to address the issue with US President Donald Trump during the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada.
In response to the incident, Albanese acknowledged that the Australian government has raised concerns with the US administration about the treatment of media personnel, highlighting the critical role that journalists play in society. While he refrained from confirming whether he would personally engage with Trump, he described the footage of Tomasi being targeted as “horrific” and unequivocally condemned the act. He noted that Tomasi was clearly identifiable as a member of the media at the time of the incident, underscoring the importance of protecting journalists in volatile situations.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released a statement, indicating that it would not comment on specific incidents related to the protests, but hinted at the possibility of a formal investigation. Tomasi, who reported the incident live, expressed that while she was in pain, she was otherwise unharmed and had resumed her reporting duties. She described the chaotic atmosphere in Los Angeles, acknowledging the risks involved in reporting during such tumultuous times.
This incident was not isolated, as British photographer Nick Stern also reported being injured by a plastic bullet while covering the same protests. The demonstrations in Los Angeles began in reaction to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting suspected undocumented immigrants, which have intensified since their announcement last week. In response to these events, President Trump deployed thousands of National Guard troops to the city, a move that California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned as a “serious breach of state sovereignty.”
Newsom, contending that state authorities were capable of handling the situation, has also initiated a lawsuit against the president concerning his deployment of troops. The ongoing unrest reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration policies, reinforced by heavy military presence and local law enforcement actions amidst public dissent.
As events develop, the safety of journalists like Tomasi remains a focal point, highlighting the need for respect and protection for those reporting on critical issues in society today.