Journalist Injured Amid Escalating Anti-Deportation Demonstrations
Tensions reached a boiling point in Los Angeles as violent protests erupted over President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. In the heart of the chaos, 9News reporter shot became a chilling reality when Australian correspondent Lauren Tomasi was struck in the leg by a non-lethal projectile during her live report.
Click the play button to see the video.
Lauren Tomasi Struck During Live Coverage
Lauren Tomasi, a 9News US correspondent, was reporting live from the protests when the incident occurred. As she spoke on air near the Metropolitan Detention Centre in downtown Los Angeles, the situation escalated rapidly.
“They’ve told people to get out of this area, and protesters have been refusing,” Tomasi said moments before being hit. “We are safe here. It’s just noisy. But you can see the volatility. I can see police here are firing rubber bullets at these protesters.”
As Tomasi was wrapping up her report, a projectile—later identified as a rubber bullet—was fired by a police officer standing behind her. The 9News reporter shot incident was caught on video, showcasing the moment she let out a cry and clutched her leg in pain.
“You just f**king shot the reporter,” someone shouted off-screen.
Tomasi, though clearly in discomfort, responded quickly, “Yeah, I’m good, I’m good,” as her cameraman assisted her to safety.
Freeze frame from the live video showing the moment Tomasi was struck. [YouTube/9News]
Media Not Spared as Police Fire Crowd Control Rounds
While Tomasi escaped serious injury, the impact of the rubber bullet left her sore and shaken. This incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of journalists covering civil unrest in the U.S.
One protester had even grabbed the 9News camera during her live cross, further intensifying the risk faced by the media on the ground.
Another case of the 9News reporter shot narrative unfolded through the eyes of Nick Stern, a British photojournalist. He was injured during protests near a Home Depot in Paramount—a hotspot for immigration-related unrest. Stern described the pain of being shot in the leg by what appeared to be a non-lethal round.
Nick Stern, a British photojournalist residing in Los Angeles, was struck by police while documenting the protest during the early hours. [Credit: The Guardian]
“In my leg was what felt like a five-centimeter hole with muscle hanging out of it and blood all down my leg,” he recalled. Stern was taken to Long Beach Memorial’s trauma centre and is expected to undergo emergency surgery.
Protests Triggered by Mass Deportation Raids
The chaos stems from President Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown, with federal agents reportedly detaining immigrants at various locations including LA’s fashion district and Home Depot parking lots.
As demonstrators rallied against the raids, flash bangs, tear gas, and rubber bullets were deployed in response. Protesters chanted “shame” and “go home” at National Guard troops, who stood rigid outside federal facilities.
California Governor Gavin Newsom fiercely condemned the deployment, calling it a “serious breach of state sovereignty” and an “unlawful” act. “What we’re seeing in Los Angeles is chaos that is provoked by the administration,” echoed Mayor Karen Bass.
Demonstrators face off with police on the 101 Freeway close to the Metropolitan Detention Centre in downtown Los Angeles. [Credit: AP]
Protest Escalation and Federal Response
Over 2,000 National Guard members were sent to Los Angeles following Trump’s invocation of legal provisions allowing deployment in case of rebellion. “We’re not going to let this happen to our country,” Trump stated, labelling the protests as a “migrant invasion.”
As of Sunday evening, several blocks of downtown Los Angeles were locked down. At least four Waymo self-driving cars were set ablaze near the detention centre. The fires sent black smoke billowing into the air as demonstrators continued to confront state patrol officers on the 101 freeway.
Burning Waymo cars with black smoke rising into the LA skyline. [Credit: AP]
Dangerous Precedent for Press Freedom
The 9News reporter shot event raises urgent questions about press freedom and the dangers journalists face in conflict zones—even within democratic nations. While law enforcement defends the use of crowd control measures against violent demonstrators, the media and human rights groups argue that indiscriminate use of force infringes on press protections.
“Anybody has the right to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights,” said LA County Sheriff Robert Luna. “But when that crosses the line… that’s where we step in.”
The incident with Tomasi and Stern may become symbolic of the dangerous erosion of journalistic safety amid political turmoil.
A demonstrator holds up a sign amid the use of tear gas in downtown Los Angeles. [Credit: AP]
Conclusion
As the 9News reporter shot incident reverberates globally, it underscores the high stakes of reporting from protest zones and the blurred line between public safety and freedom of the press. With calls for accountability rising, the pressure is now on local and federal agencies to reassess their approach to crowd control and ensure journalists can do their jobs without fear of harm.
