An Australian reporter was shot in the leg by a police officer while doing live coverage of the massive protests that have taken over downtown Los Angeles. The journalist, Lauren Tomasi, was struck in her leg by a nonlethal round seconds after sharing with viewers that officers were deploying wooden bullets at protestors who stood in solidarity against President Trump’s immigration methods.
The video of the reporter from 9News being shot on Sunday has gone viral. In the footage, she does not seem to be dressed in any protective gear while she stands holding a microphone near the police line with her cameraman, several other cameramen are filming nearby protests as well.
Shortly after she shares the tactics that officers are using on the protestors, a nearby police officer raises his weapon and discharges it at her. The wooden bullet, fired at close range, seemingly struck her in the lower part of her leg, which she immediately grabbed in pain as she screamed.
She then retreats from the police line with her cameraman. In the background, someone can be heard hurling an expletive at the police while calling them out for shooting the reporter. She assured her team that she was okay, which is where the footage ends. Moments before Tomasi was struck in the leg, she and her team did a close-up live report of the officers and protesters.
During the chaotic scene, someone even grabbed the camera, and the uproar made it difficult for her to speak clearly. The footage of her being shot sparked outrage from online viewers who condemned the actions of the police.
On Monday, the Australian journalist reassured the public that she is doing well, emphasising that she is safe. She also highlighted that the previous day’s events were a stark reminder of how risky journalism is. According to AP NEWS, she said, “I’m okay; my cameraman Jimmy and I are both safe. This is just one unfortunate reality of reporting these kinds of incidents.”
The protest in America has drawn out thousands of people and led to mass chaos as people damaged and looted stores and destroyed vehicles and other properties. Even police service vehicles were damaged during the demonstrations.
