An Australian news reporter was shot with a rubber bullet live on air while reporting on the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles on Sunday, shocking video shows.
Nine News’ US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was covering the violent protests against President Trump’s immigration policies when she was hit on camera.
Video shows Tomasi yelp in pain after she was struck in the leg by the bullet fired from a Los Angeles Police Department officer.
Nine News’ US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was hit with a rubber bullet live on air on Sunday. Nine NewsTomasi had been reporting on the stand-off situation, which she said had “rapidly deteriorated” moments before she was caught in the crossfire.
“LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters, moving them on through the heart of LA,” she said before she was shot seconds later.
Nine News said in a statement that Tomasi and her camera operator “are safe and will continue their essential work covering these events.”
Nine News’ US correspondent Lauren Tomasi in Los Angeles. Nine News“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the front lines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information,” the network added.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, meanwhile, issued a statement claiming that “all journalists should be able to do their work safely.”
“Australia supports media freedom and the protection of journalists,” the agency said.
Australian Senator Sarah Hanson-Young asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to demand “an urgent explanation” from the Trump administration.
Demonstrators wave flags from atop a wrecked car, standing beside burning Waymo vehicles, as protesters clash with law enforcement in the streets surrounding the federal building during a protest following federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025. AFP via Getty ImagesAlbanese “must tell the president to stop shooting at our journalists,” the senator of the left-wing Greens party said. “Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a strong, functioning democracy.”
Albanese may have the opportunity to speak with Trump next week at the G7 conference in Canada, the Guardian reported.
Thousands of protesters took to the LA streets over the weekend, bringing the country’s second-most populous city to a standstill.
Tomasi was struck while covering the violent protests against President Trump’s immigration policies. Nine NewsOn Saturday, Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to respond to the growing protests, which centered around federal buildings in downtown LA, where ICE officials were detaining immigrants to be deported.
The president also said late Sunday he had put 500 Marines on standby as the chaos continued.
“BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social late Sunday.
