An Australian news reporter found herself caught in the crossfire during a live broadcast from the heart of Los Angeles, where heated protests erupted over Trump’s immigration policies.
Lauren Tomasi, a correspondent for 9News Australia, was delivering a live report on Sunday when the situation turned violent. As cameras rolled, a nearby officer unexpectedly raised their weapon and fired a rubber bullet at close range, striking Tomasi in the leg.
Footage captured the shocking moment as Tomasi, without any visible protective gear, yelped in pain and grabbed her leg. Her cameraman quickly turned the lens away as the crew retreated from the tense scene.
A voice off-camera shouted in disbelief, “You just shot the reporter!”
Despite the painful hit, Tomasi stayed composed, assuring her team and viewers, “I’m OK, I’m good.” She later added, “My cameraman Jimmy and I are safe. Unfortunately, this is one of the harsh realities of covering demonstrations like this.”
The incident highlights the increasing risks journalists face while covering civil unrest and sparks renewed conversation about press safety during protests.
