During a large-scale public demonstration in Los Angeles on June 8, 2020, Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi, a U.S. correspondent for Nine News Australia, was struck by a rubber bullet while reporting live from the scene. The protests, centered around opposition to federal immigration policies, drew national attention and have once again raised questions about journalist safety and the use of force by law enforcement during civil unrest. This article reviews the events based on verified reports from reputable media outlets, official statements from government bodies, and press freedom organizations.
Timeline of Events: Los Angeles Protests on June 8
On June 8, 2020, a protest was held in downtown Los Angeles in response to then-President Donald Trump’s federal immigration enforcement measures. Protesters gathered near the Metropolitan Detention Center and Civic Center areas. According to coverage by The Guardian, Reuters, and NBC News, the event began peacefully but escalated in the afternoon as the crowd size increased significantly.
Local authorities, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), had declared an “unlawful assembly” by the afternoon and began crowd-control efforts, which included the use of rubber bullets and mounted units. In line with LAPD policy, rubber bullets—classified as “less-lethal” munitions—are intended for crowd dispersion in extreme situations, but their use has raised international concern regarding safety and oversight.
Journalist Struck While Reporting Live
Lauren Tomasi was broadcasting live on 257 E Temple Street when she was struck by a rubber bullet. Footage of the incident, released by Nine News Australia and reviewed by ABC News Australia, shows officers in riot gear attempting to control the crowd.
According to Nine News’ official statement following the incident, both Tomasi and her camera operator were unharmed and continued their coverage after receiving medical clearance. The footage has been widely circulated by major news networks and advocacy organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which has previously warned of increasing risks for reporters during public demonstrations.
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International Response and Press Freedom Concerns
The Australian Government responded swiftly. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, a member of the Australian Parliament, publicly urged officials to seek clarity on the safety of journalists operating in the U.S. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later confirmed that Australia had reached out through diplomatic channels to express concern and request an explanation from U.S. authorities.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) acknowledged the incident and reaffirmed the government’s position on safeguarding media personnel abroad. Press freedom advocacy organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have echoed these concerns.
According to RSF’s World Press Freedom Index, the United States ranked 45th globally in 2020, citing an increase in violence against journalists during protests and political demonstrations.
The Role of Law Enforcement and Use of Less-Lethal Munitions
The use of rubber bullets by police departments in the United States has been controversial. According to a 2017 study published in the BMJ Open medical journal, rubber bullets can cause serious injury and, in some cases, permanent disability. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Human Rights Watch have both advocated for strict limits on their deployment.
The LAPD Manual, available via the official Los Angeles Police Department website, states that “less-lethal munitions” should only be used when there is a clear and present threat that cannot be managed by other means. Investigations into prior incidents have led to revisions in training and accountability measures.
Following the June 8 protests, the LAPD issued a statement confirming that officers had been authorized to use less-lethal methods due to the declared unlawful assembly, but noted that internal reviews of use-of-force incidents would be conducted.
Deployment of the National Guard
In the days following the protests, the California National Guard was activated to support local law enforcement. Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement confirming the deployment, citing the need to maintain public safety while respecting the right to protest peacefully. The California Office of Emergency Services coordinated with city officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, to ensure that military presence was limited and temporary.
Both Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom expressed reservations about federal intervention beyond logistical support. They emphasized a preference for de-escalation strategies and community engagement over militarized enforcement.
Press Safety: A Growing Global Concern
According to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, a project by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and the Committee to Protect Journalists, more than 100 journalists were assaulted or injured while covering protests in the United States in 2020. The incident involving Lauren Tomasi adds to this growing list, highlighting a critical need for better protection of media personnel in conflict zones—even within democratic nations.
Several organizations, including the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), have called for greater transparency in law enforcement operations and clearer protocols when dealing with credentialed journalists.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, freedom of the press is protected, allowing journalists to report on matters of public interest without interference. However, legal scholars, including those from Harvard Law School and Columbia Journalism Review, have emphasized the complexity of enforcing these rights during emergencies, such as riots or curfews.
Civil litigation related to journalist injuries has previously led to changes in police crowd control practices. For example, in 2021, several journalists filed lawsuits after being injured during protests in Minneapolis and Portland. Settlements included reforms in police training and clearer identification of press members during crowd management.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Democracy Requires Protecting the Press
The incident involving Lauren Tomasi during the June 8, 2020, protests in Los Angeles serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges journalists face while fulfilling their duty to inform the public. As cities across the United States continue to experience protests and political demonstrations, the safety of media professionals must remain a top priority.
Ensuring accountability, enforcing clear operational standards for law enforcement, and maintaining open diplomatic dialogue are essential steps to uphold democratic values and safeguard freedom of the press.
Sources:
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Nine News Australia (https://www.9news.com.au)
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ABC News Australia (abc.net.au)
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Committee to Protect Journalists (cpj.org)
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Reporters Without Borders (rsf.org)
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Los Angeles Police Department (lapdonline.org)
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U.S. Press Freedom Tracker (pressfreedomtracker.us)
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Reuters, The Guardian, NBC News, BMJ Open, ACLU, Human Rights Watch
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U.S. Constitution – First Amendment
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California Governor’s Office & National Guard official press briefings
