Lauren Tomasi | Source: Instagram/laurentomasi | X.com/9News Australia
Reporter Hit with Rubber Bullet While Covering Ongoing LA Protests
The Australian journalist was reporting in the front lines in Los Angeles amid ongoing protests against immigration raids when she was hit with a rubber bullet. An investigation has since been launched.
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9 News Australia's U.S. Correspondent, Lauren Tomasi, was reporting live from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 8, during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which have intensified over the last several days.
In a clip shared on X by the outlet, Tomasi explains how the "situation has rapidly deteriorated," adding, "The LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters, moving them on through the heart of L.A."
A bomb appears to go off and Tomasi looks in the direction of its source. The camera then pans to an LAPD officer aiming his rifle at Tomasi, shooting her in the leg.
The reporter screams, clearly taken aback, and quickly walks away with the camera operator. The cameraman asks if she's okay, and Tomasi replies, "Yeah, I'm good," though she still sounds shaken.
Days later, on Tuesday, June 10, 9 News Australia shared an update on Facebook regarding the incident.
"#UPDATE: The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed a "formal investigation" into the incident involving #9News U.S. Correspondent Lauren Tomasi, who was shot with a rubber bullet while covering LA's chaotic protests," the publication wrote.
