Australian Reporter Shot with Rubber Bullet During LA Protests; PM Albanese Condemns "Horrific" Footage

Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet while covering protests in Los Angeles on June 8th, 2025. Video footage shows a law enforcement officer firing a non-lethal round at close range. Ms. Tomasi, reporting for 9News, sustained minor injuries but was unharmed. Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, denounced the incident, stating, "That footage was horrific." The incident occurred amidst protests sparked by immigration arrests. The Australian government has raised the matter with US authorities. The incident underscores the risks faced by journalists reporting in high-tension environments. This incident has sparked a conversation about the safety of journalists and the use of non-lethal weapons in crowd control.