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
White House issues devastating takedown of 'uninformed Democrats'

White House delivers strong criticism of ‘uninformed Democrats’

The White House is actively responding to accusations from Democrats regarding the…
Matthew McConaughey speaks out about the devastating floods that ravaged his home state of Texas

Matthew McConaughey shares his thoughts on the destructive floods that affected Texas, his place of residence.

Matthew McConaughey is asking for support from fans following devastating floods in…
Hamas 'gang-raped and executed' October 7 victims, new report claims

Hamas allegedly subjected victims of October 7 attacks to sexual assault and murder, as per recent report

Victims of the Hamas-led massacre in Israel were said to have been…
NASCAR Chicago Street Race" with contract over, will race return to Grant Park next year?

Is the NASCAR Chicago Street Race coming back to Grant Park next year after the contract ends?

3rd annual race weekend is currently final year of contract with city;…
Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activists faces federal trial

Federal trial looms for crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activists by Trump administration

BOSTON (AP) A federal bench trial begins Monday over a lawsuit that…
Why Taylor Swift snubbed Kamala Harris on the campaign trail

Taylor Swift’s decision not to support Kamala Harris during the election campaign

Despite speculation and growing excitement about the possibility of her appearing alongside…
Las Vegas sees millionaire residents triple in just four years

The number of millionaires living in Las Vegas has tripled in only four years

Millionaires have been flocking to Las Vegas at unprecedented rates and buying…
Glynn County police: 17-year-old arrested for attempted car-break in

Glynn County Police: 17-Year-Old Arrested for Trying to Break into a Car

A second suspect involved in the incident fled from police and remains…