Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Australian Journalist Hit by Rubber Bullet in Los Angeles Protests

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has lodged a formal protest to U.S. officials; the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating

Image
Image

Overview

  • On Sunday in Los Angeles, Australian broadcast journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck in the thigh by a police-fired rubber bullet while clearly marked as press.
  • Protests against U.S. immigration policy have spread to cities including New York, San Francisco and Austin, leading to sporadic clashes and dozens of arrests.
  • Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as unacceptable, spoke directly with Tomasi and formally raised the incident with U.S. authorities.
  • Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed the rubber-bullet strike and said the department is conducting a thorough inquiry into the deployment of non-lethal rounds.
  • The episode has reignited debate over press freedom, drawing sharp criticism from Australian politicians and recalling a similar 2020 incident involving media in Washington, D.C.