In a shocking incident that underscores the dangers of live reporting, Australian television journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck in the leg by a nonlethal round during a live broadcast in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday. The incident occurred amidst large-scale protests triggered by President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policies and the deployment of California National Guard troops to the area.
Footage released by 9News captures the moment Tomasi, microphone in hand, was delivering her report when an officer behind her unexpectedly raised their weapon and fired a nonlethal round at close range. In the video, Tomasi can be seen reacting in pain and clutching her lower leg as she and her cameraman quickly retreated from the police line. An off-camera voice can be heard exclaiming, “You just (expletive) shot the reporter.”
Despite the alarming situation, Tomasi reassured her crew, stating, “Yeah, I’m good, I’m good.” The incident unfolded after a tense afternoon in which she and her team found themselves caught between riot police and a group of protesters. At one point, the noise of clashes made it difficult for her to continue her report, and a protester even interrupted by grabbing the camera mid-broadcast. “They’ve told people to get out of this area, and protesters have been refusing,” Tomasi explained. “We are safe here. It’s just noisy. But you can see the volatility.”
Following the incident, Tomasi spoke with 9News to confirm her safety. “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 stated. Her experience highlights the inherent risks faced by journalists covering unfolding events, especially during times of civil unrest.
The demonstrations in Los Angeles began on Friday with only a few hundred participants but escalated dramatically over the weekend, swelling to thousands of protesters. These crowds blocked major freeways and even set several self-driving cars on fire, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the issues at hand. The protests serve as a powerful reminder of the public's response to immigration policies and the broader implications for community safety and civil rights.
9News is part of Nine, one of Australia's largest media companies, which operates across various platforms including television, radio, print, and digital channels. Major platforms under its umbrella include free-to-air Channel Nine and prominent newspapers like The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. As the situation continues to evolve, the role of the media remains critical in informing the public about such significant events.
