Australian Reporter Hit by Rubber Bullet During LA Protests

Chaos erupted in downtown Los Angeles as immigration protests intensified. Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi, reporting for Nine News, was hit by a rubber bullet during the clashes near the Metropolitan Detention Centre.

Tomasi was covering the protests sparked by President Trump’s immigration crackdown when police began firing rubber bullets. A bystander shouted, “You just f**king shot the reporter,” as Tomasi confirmed she was okay. Footage appeared to show an officer aiming at her.

Australian Senator Sarah Hanson-Young demanded answers, calling press freedom a core democratic value. The LAPD had declared the area an “unlawful assembly,” urging people — including media — to stay away.

President Trump has pushed for National Guard deployment, while California officials, including Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, oppose the move and are urging for peace. The incident has sparked international concern over police force against both protesters and the press.