Reporter hit by rubber bullet during live report from Los Angeles immigration protests
Share and Follow


NEWCASTLE, Australia (AP) — An Australian television journalist was hit in the leg by a nonlethal round Sunday while reporting live from downtown Los Angeles on the large-scale protests over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and subsequent deployment of California National Guard troops to the city.

Video of the incident released by 9News shows correspondent Lauren Tomasi, microphone in hand, reporting live when an officer behind her suddenly raises their firearm and fires a nonlethal round at close range. Tomasi, who doesn’t appear to be wearing personal protective equipment, cries out in pain and clutches her lower leg as she and her cameraman quickly move away from the police line.

“You just (expletive) shot the reporter,” a voice off-camera can be heard shouting.

Tomasi assured her crew she was okay: “Yeah, I’m good, I’m good.”

The shooting came after a tense afternoon in which Tomasi and her crew were caught between riot police and protesters. At one point, she struggled to speak over the sound of clashes, while a protester grabbed the camera mid-broadcast.

“They’ve told people to get out of this area, and protesters have been refusing,” she reported. “We are safe here. It’s just noisy. But you can see the volatility.”

Speaking later Monday to 9News, Tomasi confirmed she was safe and unharmed.

“I’m okay, my cameraman Jimmy and I are both safe. This is just one of the unfortunate realities of reporting on these kinds of incidents,” she said.

9News is part of Nine, one of Australia’s largest media companies, which operates across television, radio, print and digital channels. Its major platforms include free-to-air Channel Nine and leading newspapers like The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

The demonstrations, which began with a few hundred people on Friday, had swelled by Sunday to thousands of people who blocked a major freeway and set several self-driving cars on fire.

President Trump’s sent National Guard troops to the city over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom, in the first deployment without state consent since 1967.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Lauren Graham receives Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Lauren Graham Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

The show celebrates its 25th anniversary Sunday. LOS ANGELES — A mini…
Noem: NFL ‘won’t be able to sleep at night’ over Bad Bunny Super Bowl performance

Noem Claims NFL Will Regret Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Show

(The Hill) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the NFL will…
Former NFL QB Mark Sanchez involved in stabbing in Indianopolis

Ex-NFL Quarterback Mark Sanchez Caught Up in Stabbing Incident in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS Several reports, including ESPN and TMZ, have indicated that former NFL…
Mark Sanchez ARRESTED after he was 'stabbed in the chest'

Former NFL Quarterback Mark Sanchez Arrested Following Chest Stabbing Incident

Mark Sanchez has been arrested in the hospital after allegedly being stabbed…
NYC's iconic skyline is a 'ticking timebomb'...

New York City’s Famous Skyline is a ‘Disaster Waiting to Happen’…

New York City’s public housing is coming under fire in more ways…
Why it could be a good time to buy an EV, even without the $7,500 tax credit

Why Now Might Be the Perfect Time to Purchase an EV, Even Without the $7,500 Tax Credit

(NEXSTAR) – Car shoppers who missed out on the electric vehicle tax…
Meghan Markle pictured in Paris for Fashion Week at Balenciaga show

Meghan Markle Spotted in Paris Attending Balenciaga’s Fashion Week Show

Meghan Markle presented a chic appearance on Saturday as she was seen…
Bet $50, get $250 in FanCash

Wager $50 and Receive $250 in FanCash

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…