Australian reporter defiant after being hit by nonlethal munition during LA protests
An Australian reporter has vowed to 'keep on telling the stories that need to be told' after being struck by a nonlethal munition while covering violent demonstrations in the US.
Nine's Lauren Tomasi was reporting from Los Angeles, where law enforcement and the US National Guard have been facing off with thousands protesting Donald Trump's mass deportations.
Tomasi, microphone in hand, had just finished giving an update to camera when an officer standing behind her raised his firearm and fired a nonlethal round, striking her in the leg.
'Hey there. Thanks for all your messages – I'm a bit sore, but I'm okay,' Tomasi posted on social media.
'Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told. Here's our report on what unfolded in Los Angeles.'
Tomasi's comments echoed a statement from Nine, which confirmed both she and 'her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these event'.
'This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information,' the company said.
Speaking after the incident, Tomasi described the situation in Los Angeles as 'pretty nasty' and 'volatile'.
She said police were moving through the city's downtown area trying to clear out protesters, but there were 'just thousands of people, and as we were reporting on the situation, one of those officers fired at me'.
'We are both safe,' she told Melbourne talkback station 3AW, referring to her cameraman.
Though she said she was 'going to have a bit of a nasty bruise'.
'It really did hurt,' Tomasi said.
'I'd say it's kind of the size of a golf ball – a hard-ish rubber.
'I've got a bit of a circle on my calf muscle. I'm lucky it was there.'
She said it 'comes part and parcel with the job sometimes', but 'it does kind of give you an idea of the sense of just how much this is deteriorating and how the situation here is out of control'.
Asked why she thought the officer shot at her, Tomasi said she did not know and put it down to the chaotic circumstances.
'I think they're just firing at anyone who is remotely in the way,' she said.
'We certainly were not trying to get in the way … we were standing off to the side.'
Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has been urged to 'seek an urgent explanation' and raise it with Donald Trump when they meet on the sidelines of the G7 in Canada later this week.
'US authorities shooting an Australian journalist is simply shocking,' Greens communications spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young said in a statement.
'It is completely unacceptable and must be called out.
'The Prime Minister must seek an urgent explanation from the US administration.
'As Albanese is preparing for his first meeting with President Trump, the first thing he must tell the President is to stop shooting at our journalists.'
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was in touch 'with an Australian injured in protests, and stands ready to provide consular assistance if required'.
'Australia supports media freedom and the protection of journalists,' a DFAT spokesperson said.
'All journalists should be able to do their work safely.'
DFAT has advised Australians to avoid areas where there are protests in the US.
More to come
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