- Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi struck by LAPD rubber bullets in downtown LA
- Incident caught on camera and widely circulated online
- LAPD declares unlawful assembly, urges damage reporting
- California Governor Newsom condemns Trump’s federal troop deployment
Journalist Shot While Covering Protests
Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck in the leg by rubber bullets fired by LAPD officers while covering the immigration protests in downtown Los Angeles. According to a post on X, the incident was caught live on camera and shared publicly. The footage shows the exact moment she was hit, after which she and her camera operator retreated from the scene.
😳 WATCH the Video – Your Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/8lFfVsmiMU
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) June 9, 2025
Update on Journalist’s Condition
Nine News has shared a follow-up with U.S. correspondent Lauren Tomasi less than 12 hours after she was struck by a rubber bullet during coverage of the Los Angeles protests. In a video shared on Facebook, the outlet checked in with her, asking, “Lauren, how are you?” — to which she responded with an update on the safety and wellbeing of her news crew.
According to 9News, the team is safe and continuing coverage of the unfolding immigration protests and law enforcement response in downtown LA.
Watch on FacebookUnlawful Assembly Declared in Civic Center
As tensions escalated, the Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly in the Civic Center area and issued emergency alerts to residents and protesters. According to a post on X by LAPD Central Division, the alert was broadcast via mobile devices instructing the public to disperse.
The LAPD further requested business owners and residents to report vandalism and looting in the area. According to another post on X, the department advised photographing damage prior to cleanup to ensure accurate documentation.
Newsom Condemns Federal Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom continues to push back against the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, calling it “unlawful and inflammatory.” He emphasized the importance of protecting peaceful protesters and journalists, saying the incident involving Tomasi illustrates the dangerous consequences of the current federal posture toward domestic demonstrations.
Read earlier coverage from Virginia Times:
👉 Newsom Blasts Trump Over Federal Troop Deployment: “This Is a Manufactured Crisis”
👉 Los Angeles in Turmoil: National Guard Deployed as Protests Over Immigration Turn Violent
Escalating Unrest in Downtown Los Angeles
The situation in downtown LA continues to spiral as what began as peaceful demonstrations over immigration enforcement has now led to violent clashes, multiple arrests, and injuries — including to members of the press.
Local leaders, civil rights organizations, and press advocacy groups are demanding transparency and accountability as the city braces for further protests and potential legal action.
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