Australian Journalist Injured by Rubber Bullet During LA Protests

An Australian journalist, Lauren Tomasi, was injured by a rubber bullet while covering protests in Los Angeles on June 8, 2025, prompting a strong response from Australian officials. Tomasi, a correspondent for Nine News, was reporting on immigration demonstrations outside the Metropolitan Detention Center when she was struck in the leg by a round fired by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of journalists during civil unrest and raises questions about the use of crowd control measures by law enforcement.

The incident garnered significant media attention, particularly from Australian lawmakers. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young condemned the shooting as "completely unacceptable," urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to seek an explanation from U.S. President Donald Trump during the upcoming G7 meeting. Hanson-Young emphasized the importance of press freedom, stating, "Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a strong, functioning democracy" (Hanson-Young, 2025).

According to a statement from Nine News, Tomasi experienced soreness but was otherwise unharmed. The network reiterated the dangers journalists face while covering protests and the essential role they play in informing the public about social issues (Nine News, 2025). The footage of the incident, which captured the moment Tomasi was struck, has sparked discussions about the risks associated with covering civil disobedience, especially in the context of aggressive crowd control tactics employed by police.

The Los Angeles protests were part of a broader movement against federal immigration policies, which have been met with significant opposition from various activist groups. Law enforcement's use of rubber bullets, often classified as kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), has come under scrutiny. A 2017 study published in the BMJ indicated that these projectiles can cause serious injury and even death, particularly when striking vulnerable areas such as the head or neck (BMJ, 2017).

As tensions escalate in the U.S. over immigration policies, the use of such crowd control measures raises ethical questions. Experts argue that law enforcement agencies must balance public safety with the need to protect civil rights, including the rights of journalists. Dr. Michael Thompson, a professor of law at UCLA, noted, "While crowd control is essential in maintaining order, the protection of journalists and their ability to report freely is equally critical" (Thompson, 2025).

Internationally, the incident has implications for U.S.-Australia relations, as it underscores the necessity for both nations to address the treatment of journalists in conflict situations. The Australian government, having been alerted by Hanson-Young's statements, may also push for reassurances regarding the treatment of foreign journalists in the U.S. As Albanese prepares for his first meeting with Trump, the dialogue surrounding press freedom is expected to be a focal point of their discussions.

In conclusion, the shooting of Lauren Tomasi serves as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in volatile situations. It underscores the need for stringent policies regarding the use of force by law enforcement, particularly in scenarios involving media professionals. As the global community continues to advocate for press freedom, incidents like this could potentially influence future policies and practices regarding the treatment of journalists during protests worldwide.