Australian Reporter Shot by Police in LA: Press Freedom at Risk
By David LaGuerre –
When a journalist becomes the story: The shooting of Lauren Tomasi in Los Angeles exposes the dangers of reporting in America’s protest zones—and the urgent need for accountability.
A Shocking Attack on Press Freedom
Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was covering protests in Los Angeles when an LAPD officer turned, looked directly at her, and fired a rubber bullet—seemingly without warning or provocation. The incident, captured on video, shows Tomasi reporting live for Australia’s 9News as the officer aimed squarely in her direction. With no clear threat from the crowd and her press credentials evident, this unprovoked act raises urgent questions about police accountability and the protection of journalists in volatile public spaces.
What Happened in Los Angeles?
On June 8, 2025, protests surged in downtown Los Angeles over controversial federal immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops. Amid the tense atmosphere, Tomasi and her cameraman worked in the thick of the action, determined to document events as they unfolded. Despite clearly being identified as members of the press, the LAPD officer unexpectedly aimed, looked directly at Tomasi, and fired a rubber bullet that struck her in the leg. In the chaos that followed, shocked bystanders could be heard exclaiming that “you just shot the reporter!” Although Tomasi quickly reassured her crew by saying, “I’m good,” the incident highlights a disturbing trend where journalists—neutral watchers of public events—are caught in a crossfire that no one should have to endure.
Why Target a Journalist?
The deliberate nature of this act jolts the public and media alike. The evidence, including clear video footage, leaves little doubt that the police officer intentionally aimed at a known reporter. This raises two crucial questions: Why would a law enforcement officer target a member of the press, and what should be the consequences?
Journalists have long been viewed as both indispensable public watchdogs and, in some heated environments, inconvenient presences. The use of so-called “nonlethal” weapons such as rubber bullets is standard practice for crowd control. However, when these measures target journalists instead of actual threats, it suggests a possible tactic of media suppression. Historical cases—from the dangerous coverage during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests to incidents in Portland and Ferguson—reveal a disturbing pattern of press intimidation and violence, often met with little disciplinary retribution. The legal shield of qualified immunity frequently leaves officers free from punishment even when acts clearly infringe on constitutional rights.
Consequences and Accountability
When similar incidents have occurred in the past, the outcomes typically include internal police investigations that rarely result in serious consequence or meaningful policy reform. Lawsuits filed by affected journalists often end in taxpayer-funded settlements rather than systemic change. In this case, if an independent investigation confirms that the officer deliberately targeted Tomasi, appropriate disciplinary actions—including potential termination, retraining, and policy overhauls—must follow. Society’s demand for accountability is not merely about serving justice to one individual but about reinforcing media freedom as a pillar of democracy.
The Dangerous Reality for Journalists
The profession of journalism has always involved risk. In today’s environment, reporters on the frontlines of protests, conflicts, and public dissent face escalating dangers. A 2024 report from the International Women’s Media Foundation found that a significant portion of journalists have endured physical violence on assignment, often at the hands of law enforcement. In 2025 alone, multiple journalists in California were injured by rubber or plastic bullets used during protest dispersal. The professional hazards extend beyond physical injury to include the psychological toll of witnessing and reporting traumatic events.
Former President Donald Trump’s well-documented attacks on the press have only exacerbated these challenges. Labeling journalists as “enemies of the people,” his rhetoric not only fosters distrust between the news media and the public but also emboldens those who may wish to silence or intimidate reporters. This toxic climate undermines public confidence in the press and endangers those who strive to keep our society informed.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information.”
— Nine News statement
International Outrage and Official Reactions
Australian Government Response
The response from the Australian government has been swift and unequivocal. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles is in contact with Lauren Tomasi, ensuring that she receives all necessary support. The government underscored its commitment to media freedom and the safety of its journalists, urging U.S. authorities to conduct a full and independent investigation into the incident. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has also called on the government to raise this matter at upcoming diplomatic meetings, including at the G7 Summit, reflecting the gravity of the situation on an international scale.
Reactions from the International Press Corps
Journalists and press organizations worldwide have condemned the shooting as an attack on the press itself. The Committee to Protect Journalists and the International Women’s Media Foundation have both issued statements highlighting the pervasive climate of danger that now marks protest coverage in the United States. Their calls for stronger legal frameworks to protect reporters underline a growing concern: when the safety of journalists is compromised, the public’s right to know suffers immensely.
Reports indicate that such assaults on the media are not isolated. Incidents during the 2020 protests, such as the live arrest of CNN’s Omar Jimenez in Minneapolis and the continued targeting of journalists in Portland despite federal court orders, have set a dangerous precedent. In Los Angeles, the shooting of Tomasi appears to be part of a broader pattern of excessive force used against media personnel during civil unrest.
What Must Change for the Sake of Press Freedom?
Demanding Justice
For every journalist injured or intimidated by law enforcement, there is an urgent need for accountability. The officer responsible for Lauren Tomasi’s injury must face an unbiased, transparent investigation. Should evidence confirm that the shooting was targeted specifically at a reporter, this should trigger strict disciplinary measures. Given history, where settlements have become the norm rather than substantive punishment, this case could serve as a catalyst for much-needed reform.
Strengthening Legal Protections
Fundamental legal protections, such as those enshrined in the First Amendment, are meant to safeguard the press—but without effective enforcement, these rights are rendered empty. Law enforcement agencies must adopt clear guidelines that explicitly prohibit the targeting of journalists. Additionally, the practice of qualified immunity, which often prevents accountability, requires urgent reassessment so that officers who overstep their bounds are held responsible for their actions.
A Call to Action for All
Journalists, citizens, and policymakers alike must champion the cause of press freedom. News organizations need to ensure that reporters are well-equipped and trained to navigate hostile environments. At the same time, political leaders must take responsibility for reversing harmful narratives that demonize the media. As society grapples with increasing polarization, the protection of a free press becomes not just desirable, but imperative for the functioning of democracy.
Stand Up for Press Freedom
The shooting of Lauren Tomasi is a stark warning. When the very individuals tasked with safeguarding public order attack those who report on their actions, democracy is imperiled. The incident challenges us to demand accountability from law enforcement, to defend the rights of journalists, and to re-establish respect for the media as an essential pillar of public life. Now more than ever, it is critical that all stakeholders rally for lasting reform and the protection of the press. Stand up for press freedom—because a free press is the cornerstone of an informed, just society.
