Los Angeles Police Use 'Less Lethal' Ammunition in Controversial Shooting

In a recent incident that has sparked significant public outcry, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was filmed using what is described as 'less lethal' ammunition to shoot a woman at close range while she was walking near her residence. The event, captured on video during ongoing protests, raises critical questions about law enforcement practices, the effectiveness of less lethal munitions, and the safety of civilians during crowd control operations.

The incident occurred on June 11, 2025, as the woman, who has not been publicly identified, was seen walking alone when officers instructed her to leave the area. Shortly thereafter, an officer discharged a projectile, hitting her at point-blank range. Eyewitness footage depicts the woman staggering back in shock, exclaiming, 'I live here,' after being struck. This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding police response to protests in Los Angeles, particularly in the context of recent demonstrations advocating for immigration reform and police accountability.

According to LAPD's public statements, less lethal munitions, which include rubber bullets, plastic projectiles, and pepper balls, are intended to minimize fatalities while maintaining crowd control. However, their use has been controversial, with numerous reports indicating that such munitions can cause severe injuries or even death. Dr. Emily Richards, a professor of Public Safety at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), stated in her 2023 research published in the Journal of Law Enforcement Policy, 'While marketed as safer alternatives, less lethal munitions have often resulted in significant injuries, raising ethical concerns about their deployment in civilian contexts.'

The LAPD did not respond to a request for further comment regarding the specific incident or the protocols guiding the use of less lethal munitions. This lack of immediate transparency has fueled further criticism from community advocates. Maria Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Community Action Network, indicated in her June 2025 statement, 'The police's use of less lethal rounds in close proximity to unarmed civilians is not just reckless; it is an alarming reflection of systemic issues within law enforcement practices in our city.'

The incident aligns with a broader pattern observed during protests in Los Angeles, where law enforcement has deployed various crowd control tactics, which have included flashbangs, tear gas, and the aforementioned rubber bullets. Notably, on the same day as the incident, Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was also injured by a rubber bullet while reporting on the protests. Nine News, her employer, stated that Tomasi was 'struck by a rubber bullet' but confirmed she and her crew were safe and would continue their coverage. This incident underscores the volatile nature of reporting in protest environments, which has become increasingly dangerous for journalists.

Critics argue that the use of less lethal munitions can escalate tensions rather than de-escalate them. For instance, Professor Michael Thompson, a sociologist at Stanford University, noted, 'The deployment of these munitions often sends the message that the police are prepared for confrontation, which can provoke rather than calm the situation.'

Looking ahead, the implications of this incident may prompt further scrutiny regarding police practices and the regulations surrounding the use of less lethal ammunition. As protests continue in Los Angeles and across the United States, the call for comprehensive police reform remains a pressing issue. Community advocates and scholars alike are urging a reevaluation of the policies that govern the use of force by law enforcement, particularly in situations involving unarmed civilians.

In conclusion, the close-range shooting of a civilian with less lethal munitions during a protest illustrates the complex dynamics between law enforcement and community safety. It raises essential questions about policing strategies and the ongoing debate about what constitutes appropriate use of force. As protests evolve, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to reassess their tactics and engage in transparent dialogues with community members to foster trust and accountability.