Thinning the ICE: Russian and Chinese Messaging on the Los Angeles Protests
Thinning the ICE: Russian and Chinese Messaging on the Los Angeles Protests
Los Angeles Protests Turn Violent: Australian Journalist Hit by Rubber Bullet Los Angeles, CA – June 8, 2025 – Tensions escalated during protests in Los Angeles on Sunday when an Australian journalist was struck by a rubber bullet fired by a police officer. The incident, captured on video, occurred as Lauren Tomasi, a reporter for 9News, was giving a live report on the demonstrations. The protests, ongoing for three days, are a response to President Donald Trump's stricter immigration policies. The video shows Tomasi reporting amidst a tense atmosphere when a volley of rubber bullets is fired. One bullet strikes Tomasi, causing her to react and move out of the line of fire. Her cameraman is also seen reacting to the incident. 9News later confirmed that both Tomasi and her cameraman were unharmed and would continue covering the events. "It happened so fast," Tomasi stated in a later interview, "I didn't even see it coming." The incident underscores the dangers faced by journalists covering civil unrest. While Tomasi and her team were fortunate to escape serious injury, the event raises concerns about police tactics and the safety of journalists in the field. The protests themselves continue, with demonstrators expressing their opposition to the President's policies. The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet issued a formal statement on the incident.
Thinning the ICE: Russian and Chinese Messaging on the Los Angeles Protests