Incident details
- Date of incident
- June 14, 2025
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
- Targets
- Caylo Seals (Sipa USA)
- Assailant
- Law enforcement
- Was the journalist targeted?
- Unknown
Assault
A police officer stands amid tear gas during a “No Kings” protest in Los Angeles, California, on June 14, 2025. Photojournalist Caylo Seals was struck with a crowd-control munition while covering the demonstration.
Freelance photojournalist Caylo Seals was struck numerous times with police crowd-control munitions while covering a “No Kings” protest in Los Angeles, California, on June 14, 2025.
The protest in downtown LA was one of hundreds of “No Kings” demonstrations held nationwide to counter a military parade attended by President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. It also followed days of protests in the city and nearby towns against recent federal raids, part of the Trump administration’s larger immigration crackdown.
Seals, who was on assignment that day for photo news agency Sipa USA, told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that he was struck by a projectile, which he described as a “rubber bullet,” and at least four pepper ball rounds while covering the protest.
Seals sustained injuries from the impact, according to The Corsair, Santa Monica College’s student newspaper.
It’s unclear which law enforcement agency fired the projectiles.
When reached for comment, the LA 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 shared any comment concerning the use of crowd-control munitions on members of the media.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell had said in a news conference June 9 that he was “very concerned” about reports that members of the press were being hit by crowd-control munitions.
In a statement emailed to the Tracker on June 10, the LA County Sheriff’s Department said it prioritizes maintaining access for credentialed media, “especially during emergencies and critical incidents.”
“The LASD does not condone any actions that intentionally target members of the press, and we continuously train our personnel to distinguish and respect the rights of clearly identified journalists in the field,” a public information officer wrote. “We remain open to working with all media organizations to improve communication, transparency, and safety for all parties during public safety operations.”
The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker catalogs press freedom violations in the United States. Email tips to [email protected].
