Australian reporter shot with munition at LA protest during live broadcast

Lauren Tomasi, a correspondent for Australia’s 9News, was struck by a crowd-control munition while documenting protests in Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025.

The protests began June 6 in response to federal raids in and around Los Angeles of workplaces and areas where immigrant day laborers gathered, amid the Trump administration’s larger immigration crackdown. After demonstrators clashed with officers from the Los Angeles Police Department and other local law enforcement units as well as federal agents, President Donald Trump called in the California National Guard over the objections of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

On June 8, the protests were focused around the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA, where detainees from prior immigration raids were being held, 9News reported.

In a live broadcast moments before Tomasi was hit, she reported that, “After hours of standing off, this situation has now rapidly deteriorated. The LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters, moving them on through the heart of LA.”

Tomasi is seen turning to show the line of law enforcement officers behind her when the Los Angeles Police officer at the end closest to her abruptly turns and fires a crowd-control munition into her leg.

A bystander can be heard telling the officer, “You just fucking shot the reporter!”

When reached for comment, the Los Angeles Police Department directed the Tracker to the department’s social media accounts, where statements and comments would be posted. The account does not appear to have posted any comment concerning the shooting of Tomasi.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell told 9News that he was aware of the incident and that an investigation had been launched.

In a post on the social platform X the following day, Tomasi wrote, “Hey there. Thanks for all your messages - I’m a bit sore, but I’m okay. Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told.”

Tomasi did not respond to an email requesting comment.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called footage of Tomasi being shot “horrific,” adding that it had already been raised with the U.S. government, 9News reported.

“She was clearly identified. There was no ambiguity,” Albanese said. “We don’t find it acceptable that it occurred, and we think that the role of the media is particularly important.”