Demonstrations and confrontations with law enforcement erupted in California following immigration enforcement actions.
Lauren Tomasi, an Australian journalist, was hit by a rubber bullet while reporting on immigration-related unrest in Los Angeles, according to her and her employer.
The incident took place on Sunday as Tomasi, a correspondent for 9News Australia, was concluding a live broadcast near the city’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where police in riot gear were facing protesters.
A police officer positioned behind Tomasi discharged a projectile, striking her in the leg. “I’m a bit sore, but I’m okay,” Tomasi posted on X following the event.
“This is just one of the unfortunate realities of reporting on these kinds of incidents. It has been a really volatile day on the streets of Los Angeles,” she told 9News.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement asserting that “journalists should be able to do their work safely.”
The protests and unrest began Friday after immigration authorities detained several day laborers in the parking area of a Home Depot in Los Angeles’ Westlake District. President Trump ordered the National Guard to deploy, but California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the move, deeming it unlawful.
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