Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi was injured while covering the Los Angeles riots for 9News. She was seemingly struck in the ankle by a rubber bullet fired by police during a live broadcast.
The chaos began following mass arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking intense protests across LA. Vehicles were torched, black smoke filled the skies, and explosive scenes played out as electric cars burned. The unrest prompted President Trump to deploy National Guard troops.
Tomasi was reporting live when police began firing rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Caught in the line of fire, she was hit and limped off camera, audibly swearing in pain. 9News later confirmed she was “sore but otherwise unharmed.”
Footage raised concerns online, with some claiming the officer “aimed right at her.” Others believe protesters behind the camera crew were the actual targets. Some viewers questioned why Tomasi wasn’t wearing visible press credentials. The LAPD has been asked to comment on the incident.