Journalist Shot During Los Angeles Protests: Video Captures Shocking Incident

Los Angeles Protests: Australian Journalist Shot by Rubber Bullet Los Angeles, CA – June 9, 2025 – In a shocking turn of events, Lauren Tomasi, a U.S. correspondent for Australian news outlet 9News, was struck by a rubber bullet fired by a Los Angeles police officer while covering protests in the city's downtown district. The incident occurred on June 8, 2025, amid heightened tensions surrounding increased ICE operations and the deployment of the National Guard. Video footage shows Tomasi reporting live when she is suddenly hit. "Just seconds after she wrapped up a live cross to Australia, one of the officers turned his gun towards Tomasi and fired at her from close range," 9News reported. The footage captures her immediate reaction and cry of pain. Despite the injury, Tomasi was unharmed. The protests themselves are a response to the Trump administration’s heightened ICE operations in the city and nationwide. Tensions escalated on Sunday in response to President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard. The publisher of 9News, Nine, released a statement emphasizing Tomasi and her camera operator's safety and their commitment to covering the protests. The statement also highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in such situations, emphasizing the importance of their work in informing the public. This incident underscores the risks journalists face while reporting from the front lines of protests and serves as a reminder of the critical role they play in providing vital information to the public. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.