On June 6, 2025, Los Angeles was rocked by federal immigration raids and intense protests. The city witnessed unprecedented chaos after federal agents conducted immigration sweeps, triggering massive protests throughout the city. Amidst this chaos, Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi, who was covering the protests for 9News Australia, was shot by a rubber bullet fired by the LAPD. The incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning the intentions behind the police’s actions.
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Background of the LA Immigration Raids
The protests erupted after federal agents stormed a Los Angeles Fashion District apparel factory on June 6, part of at least three immigration sweeps across the city. The raids targeted suspected undocumented workers and led to clashes between law enforcement and furious demonstrators.
As news of the raids spread, protesters flooded the streets, demanding justice for those impacted by the immigration policies. Rioters clashed with riot police and tactical units, blocking traffic and launching fireworks. The situation escalated quickly, and tensions between law enforcement and protesters mounted.
By nightfall, the city was in turmoil. Rioters set vehicles on fire, and the LAPD was ordered to stand down, leaving federal agents vulnerable to the protests. In response, President Donald Trump called in the National Guard, marking the first time since the 1965 Watts Riots that federal troops occupied Los Angeles without state approval.
The Shooting of Lauren Tomasi
In the middle of the unfolding chaos, Lauren Tomasi was live on air for 9News Australia, providing coverage of the volatile situation. She was broadcasting from the frontlines of the protest outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, a focal point for many of the demonstrations.
During her live report on June 8, Tomasi narrated the scene, telling viewers, “They’ve told people to get out of this area, and protesters have been refusing. We are safe here. It’s just noisy. But you can see the volatility. I can see police here are firing rubber bullets at these protesters.”
However, her live report abruptly ended, with 9News announcing that Tomasi and her cameraman had to retreat to safety. This was just the beginning of a shocking series of events.
The Incident: A Close-Range Rubber Bullet Shot
An hour later, Tomasi returned to the scene for another live report. As she continued covering the protest, she noted that the situation had worsened. “The LAPD moving in on horseback,” she said, with gunfire echoing in the background.
Shortly after, in a disturbing turn of events, a police officer turned his gun towards Tomasi and fired a rubber bullet at her from a close distance. Tomasi, who had been reporting calmly, was struck by the rubber bullet, and the live feed abruptly stopped.
Protesters on the scene reacted immediately, with one shouting, “You just f***ing shot a reporter!” As others rushed to check on her, Tomasi reassured them, saying, “I’m good, I’m good.”
The Fallout: Outrage Over the Shooting
The incident has led to widespread outrage. Many observers, including online users and fellow journalists, have condemned the police action. Some are even calling the shot “purposeful,” as the officer had a clear line of sight and aimed directly at Tomasi, despite her holding a microphone and being clearly visible on air.
The video footage of the incident quickly went viral, with people expressing their shock and anger over the targeting of an unarmed journalist. “This is insane. He aims directly at her. No one in between them. No chance of it being a missed shot. A purposeful close-range shot, at an unarmed journalist, who was walking away,” one user wrote on Twitter.
Many have questioned the tactics of the LAPD and criticized the officers for allegedly provoking the situation. “This jerkoff police officer who shot Australian Journalist Lauren Tomasi while she was clearly holding a microphone needs to be fired yesterday. It’s insane that they’re crying about riots while they are obviously trying to provoke one,” another tweet read.
A Call for Accountability
As the footage of the shooting spread worldwide, the public reaction intensified. South Australian senator Sarah Hanson-Young demanded that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese take immediate action and seek an explanation from the US administration. “US authorities shooting an Australian journalist is simply shocking,” Hanson-Young said. “It is completely unacceptable and must be called out. The prime minister must seek an urgent explanation from the US administration. As Albanese is preparing for his first meeting with President Trump, the first thing he must tell the president is to stop shooting at our journalists.”
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Despite the outrage, the publisher of 9News Australia issued a statement confirming that Tomasi and her cameraman were unharmed and would continue their coverage of the protests. The statement also highlighted the dangers journalists face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, emphasizing the crucial role of the press in informing the public about such events.
A Reminder of the Dangers Journalists Face
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists take while covering volatile situations. It highlights the increasingly hostile environment in which reporters are forced to operate. The shooting of Lauren Tomasi underscores the need for greater protections for journalists, particularly when they are reporting on controversial or sensitive topics like immigration raids and protests.
While Tomasi’s quick recovery is a positive outcome, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of journalists, especially in environments where tensions are running high.
The incident also raises important questions about the behavior of law enforcement officers when dealing with the press. The shooting of an unarmed journalist, especially one who was clearly visible and posing no threat, is an action that demands accountability.
Conclusion: Standing Up for Press Freedom
The shooting of Lauren Tomasi has become a focal point in discussions about press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide. As protests continue in cities across the globe, the role of the media in informing the public has never been more critical. The actions of law enforcement in these situations must be scrutinized, and journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation.
Tomasi’s incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers journalists face, but it also calls attention to the importance of press freedom in a democracy. The international community must ensure that the rights of journalists are protected, and that those who target them face consequences for their actions.
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