Journalist Hit by Rubber Bullet at Los Angeles ICE Protest

Los Angeles ICE Protest Turns Violent: Journalist Hit by Rubber Bullet A journalist covering a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles was struck by a rubber bullet on June 8, 2025. The incident, captured on video by the Wall Street Journal, occurred as Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers on horseback moved to disperse the crowd. The video shows the chaotic scene, with officers firing rubber bullets into the crowd. Lauren Tomasi, a U.S. correspondent for 9 News Australia, was reporting live when she was hit. "After hours of standing off, this situation has now rapidly deteriorated," Tomasi said in the video, moments before the incident. "The LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters." 9 News Australia later reported that Tomasi was left sore but otherwise unharmed. The incident raises concerns about the safety of journalists covering protests and the use of force by law enforcement. While the LAPD has not yet released an official statement, the video footage clearly shows the events leading up to and including the injury of the journalist. The incident underscores the tensions surrounding ICE operations and immigration policy in the United States. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks journalists face while reporting on sensitive and often volatile situations.