Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet while covering the escalating protests in Los Angeles over the weekend. Tomasi, the U.S. Correspondent for Nine News, was hit in the leg during a tense moment between protesters and police officers. The entire incident was caught on video, which shows a police officer aiming toward her and her camera operator before firing. Tomasi can be heard crying out in pain and clutching her calf as a nearby witness yells, “You just shot the f—— reporter!”
Despite the shock and visible injury, Tomasi quickly reassured onlookers, stating, “I’m good,” before calmly moving away from the scene with her crew. Nine News later confirmed that while she was left sore from the impact, she sustained no serious injuries. The footage has since circulated widely on social media, sparking renewed debate about the treatment of journalists in volatile protest situations.
Tomasi’s Update from the Ground
Though she has yet to release a formal statement regarding the incident, Tomasi continued her coverage from the protest site, offering real-time updates through social media. On X (formerly Twitter), she posted: “8 pm. Dozens of police have just moved in. Another attempt to move people on. Flash bang grenades – then fireworks – going off.” Her posts reflect the chaotic and fast-changing atmosphere on the ground, highlighting the intensity of the clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Tomasi’s ability to resume reporting almost immediately after the incident has drawn admiration from colleagues and viewers alike, underscoring both the resilience and risk faced by journalists in the field. The broader incident has also reignited conversations about press freedom and safety, particularly for international correspondents covering civil unrest in the United States.
Meet Lauren Tomasi: A Rising Name in Global Journalism
Lauren Tomasi is no stranger to high-pressure reporting. Based in Los Angeles, she serves as the U.S. Correspondent for Australia’s Nine News network. A graduate of the University of New South Wales with a degree in journalism, Tomasi also studied abroad in Colorado, where she gained early experience as a newsreader for a local radio station.
Her career began as a snow reporter on the ski fields of New South Wales, but she soon transitioned to more high-profile assignments with Nine News Sydney. Her reputation grew steadily, leading to her current role covering major international events. Over the past few years, she has reported on former President Donald Trump’s legal proceedings and has also provided live coverage from some of the entertainment industry’s biggest nights, including the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes.
Tomasi’s recent experience in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the risks journalists take to deliver real-time news. While this particular assignment ended painfully, her continued presence and updates from the scene reflect her commitment to telling the story, no matter the obstacles.
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