An Australian reporter covering anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles was shot with a rubber bullet on Sunday.
In the clip, Lauren Tomasi, the U.S. correspondent for Australia’s Nine News, was struck while reporting on the developments at the protest live on air.
“After hours of standing off, this situation has now rapidly deteriorated,” Tomasi said. “The LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters, moving them on through the heart of LA.”
Seconds later, Tomasi was hit with a rubber bullet. Video showed an officer taking aim in the direction of Tomasi and then firing.
Tomasi cried out and grabbed her leg as a bystander told the officer: “You just fucking shot the reporter!”
Nine News confirmed Tomasi was hit but wasn’t seriously injured.
“Lauren and her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these events,” the network said in a statement, describing the attack as “a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement declaring that “all journalists should be able to do their work safely”, after the incident, The Guardian reported.
“Australia supports media freedom and the protection of journalists,” the statement said.
Australian lawmakers are demanding an investigation of the shooting and “an urgent explanation” from the Trump administration.
The incident comes after British news photographer Nick Stern was struck by a three-inch “plastic bullet” on Sunday in a separate clash between protesters and police. The bullet tore into Stern’s thigh requiring surgery.
