‘Fake news' reporter brutally shutdown for ‘stupid' LA riots question
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has unleashed on 'fake news' reporters during a press briefing.
Leavitt discussed the ongoing Los Angeles riots and protests, which have seen the National Guard called in.
The protests are in retaliation to the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration, ICE raids and deportation.
During the press briefing, Leavitt defended the Trump administration's handling of the Los Angeles protests.
Social media erupted with praise over Leavitt's takedown of the 'fake news'.
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Sky News AU
35 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
Los Angeles immigration protests: Californian city ordered into curfew as riots spread to Chicago, New York City
Parts of Los Angeles are now locked down after an emergency was declared in a bid to stop the violence and looting from the ongoing immigration protests which have spread to major cities in other parts of the United States. Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew for the downtown area of the Californian city, starting from Tuesday at 8pm local time (Wednesday 1pm AEST). It will be in lifted at 6am, but it is expected to continue for "several days". The curfew has been put in place following the looting and vandalism of at least 23 businesses through the downtown area on Monday night. Mayor Bass at a press conference said she had considered a partial lock down of the city in recent days, but the past 24-hours was the "tipping point" for her and police. The area under curfew is about 2.5 square kilometres and includes parts of the Fashion District, Arts District and Chinatown. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell warned people to stay away from the designated area and that those who ignore the rule will be arrested. 'Let me be clear that this behavior, blocking freeways, city streets and on ramps, refusing to comply with lawful dispersal orders and interfering with public safety operations, is dangerous, unlawful and won't be tolerated," he said. Those exempt include residents who live in the zone, individuals experiencing homelessness, credentialed media and public safety and emergency personnel. The demonstrations in Los Angeles has spread to the other side of the country, with rallies also underway in New York City with police clashing with protesters. Since Saturday, 379 people have been arrested in the City of Angels, including 197 protesters on Tuesday, 67 of which were on the 101 Freeway causing disruptions. 'CURFEW HAS BEEN DECLARED': COPS ENFORCE LOCKDOWN IN LA Los Angeles police officers have enforced lockdown procedures in pockets of Los Angeles as the curfew came into effect at 8pm, local time. Sky News host Peter Stefanovic, who is reporting live in LA, described the scenes on the ground the moment the curfew was enacted. He said the general crowd of people has started to dissipate, but there is still a large number of protesters engaged in the demonstrations. In the background where Stefanovic stood, a line of officers from the Los Angeles Police Department could be seen moving forward on the street as one yelled out to the public. "A police officer just is saying 'curfew has been declared,'" Stefanovic said. At one stage, a police officer could be seen physically forcing a person back. The sound of flash grenades could also be heard in the background - a mechanism which is being used by law enforcement agencies in an attempt to break up the crowd. Stefanovic said he has seen a truck from the National Guard, but is yet to come across any members of the Marines who have been deployed to parts of LA. "It's mostly LAPD. You've got members of the National Guard here as well," Stefanovic said. "I haven't seen Marines ... I know there are hundreds of them supposed to be around here somewhere." Californian Governor Gavin Newsom, who President Donald Trump threatened to arrest amid the war of words over the deployment of the National Guard, was forced to abandon a press conference shortly after police spoke due to technical issues. Governor Newsom appeared minutes later, criticising the leader of the free world for going "beyond its stated intent to go after violent and serious criminals". "His agents are arresting dishwashers, gardeners, day labourers and seamstresses. That's just weakness masquerading as strength. Donald Trump is not protecting our communities but traumatising our communities. That seems to be the point," he said. "If some of us could be snatched off the streets without a warrant, based only on suspicion or skin colour, then none of us are safe. Authoritarian regimes begin by targeting people who are least able to defend themselves, but they do not stop there. "Trump and his loyalists, they thrive on division because it allows them to take more power and exert even more control. And by the way, he's not opposed to lawlessness and violence, as long as it serves him. What more evidence do we need than January 6." It comes after President Trump doubled down on his decision to deploy the National Guard, claiming Los Angeles "would be on fire" if he did not act swiftly. Over the weekend, he ordered 2,000 federal troops to the Californian city to quell violent demonstrations following the arrests of more than 40 people by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents over alleged immigration violations. A further 700 US Marines have also been activated and arrived to the city overnight. Trump defends deploying troops President Trump on Tuesday (local time) insisted it was the right move to federalise troops, despite criticism from key Los Angeles officials and law enforcement. "Take a look at what is happening. There were certain areas of Los Angeles last night, you could have called it an insurrection," the commander-in-chief said. "Look, if we didn't get involved, right now, Los Angeles would be burning... Los Angeles right now would be on fire, and we have it in great shape." He also said he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, which allows the military to suppress rebellion and enforce the law in certain situations. "If there's an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We'll see. But I can tell you last night was terrible, and the night before that was terrible," the President said. Immigration raids are set to continue across the country as part of the administration's crackdown, with a goal of arresting at least 3,000 migrants each day. President Trump warned any riots will lead to a response of "equal or greater force". The some 300 National Guards on the ground at the moment have a minor role in downtown Los Angeles, which is to protect federal buildings and activities. But the move does not sit well with the city's key officials. Mayor Bass earlier, again, criticised President Trump for sending in the National Guard and also questioned the role of the US Marines. 'People have asked me, 'What are the Marines going to do when they get here?' That's a good question. I have no idea,' she said at a press conference. Mayor Bass said the city knows "how to take care of these issues ourselves". "When you said things have gotten under control because of the National Guard, I gave you an example where the National Guard wasn't even here and he (President Trump) was tweeting that out. They are stationary at the federal building protecting the building they are not out doing crowd control or anything like that," she said. "So I don't know how he could say that the National Guard is who saved the day. Who saved the day are our law enforcement agencies." Mayor Bass told reporters she has been in contact with people in the Trump administration and is hoping to speak to the commander-in-chief over the phone soon. 'I want to tell him to stop the raids. I want to tell him that this is a city of immigrants. I want to tell him that if you want to devastate the economy of the city of Los Angeles, then attack the immigrant population," she said, before later making a stunning claim. 'I think we're an experiment, because if you can do this to the nation's second largest city, maybe the administration is hoping that this will be a signal to everybody everywhere to fear them. That your federal government that historically has protected you can come in and take over." President Trump - who spent Tuesday on the other side of the country in North Carolina to watch a military demonstration at Fort Bragg as part of the US Army's 250th anniversary - called Californian Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Bass "incompetent". Protests have been decreasing in size in recent days. On Monday, Los Angeles police arrested more than 100 people, most on the suspicion for failing to disperse and assault with a deadly weapon, according to CNN. Two officers were left reportedly injured during the chaos. Mayor Bass insisted demonstrators who are vandalising and being violent will be detained and prosecuted, adding those who did those acts "have another agenda". She is also looking into measures such as nightly curfews to limit the chaos. It is understood at least one rally will go ahead on the fifth day of protests.
Sydney Morning Herald
an hour ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australia news LIVE: Wong says Israel's attack on Iran ‘alarming'; Air India crash kills hundreds
Key posts 10.54am $10 million package for Gaza announced 10.22am Israel claims it has attacked Iran 9.46am Trump warns of Israeli strike on Iran, 'massive conflict' 8.59am US senator handcuffed at LA press conference 8.40am Health ministers to discuss IVF reforms after string of scandals 8.17am Criminals recruited for country's biggest wind farm 7.50am 'Bodies all around me': Sole survivor of Air India crash speaks 6.50am More than 260 dead in Air India crash Hide key posts Latest posts Latest posts 11.13am Netanyahu says Israel is targeting 'nuclear scientists' in Iran By Amber Schultz Loading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his country launched 'preemptive strikes' on Iranian military facilities as explosions were heard in the Iranian capital Tehran. 'We targeted Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. We also struck the heart of Iran's ballistic missile program,' Reuters reports Netanyahu as saying. United States officials have said there was no US assistance or involvement in the operation, but declined to endorse or condemn the attacks. There was no immediate word on what was struck. US President Donald Trump is reportedly convening an urgent cabinet meeting. You can keep up to date with the developments via our dedicated live blog here. 10.54am $10 million package for Gaza announced By Amber Schultz The government has announced a new package of support for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Australia has formed a partnership with the Jordan, providing $5 million to deliver critical medical supplies to the kingdom's field hospitals operating within Gaza, along with $5 million to UNICEF for nutritional support for children. Speaking in Canberra this morning, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the situation for the people of Gaza was 'catastrophic'. 'Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies. Schools, hospitals, and homes destroyed. I know so many Australians are distressed by the suffering and many Australians are frustrated that we have been unable to move the dial on our own,' she said. Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly said the devastation in Gaza was 'unacceptable'. 'All of Gaza is at imminent risk of famine and children under the age of five are the most impacted,' she said. 'The support that we're announcing today equates to roughly 2.9 million rations of nutritional support. That's enough to meet the needs of 8000 children in Gaza for four months.' The new funding brings Australia's total support to Gaza and Lebanon to $110 million since October 7. 10.45am Israel-Iran escalation 'alarming': Wong By Amber Schultz Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says the government is alarmed about the escalation between Israel and Iran as Israel claims it has begun attacking Iran's capital Tehran. 'This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions,' Wong said at a press conference in Canberra. 'We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program. It represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is travelling to Fiji, Canada and the US ahead of the G7 summit that starts in Alberta, canada, on Sunday. 10.22am Israel claims it has attacked Iran By Amber Schultz Explosions have been heard in Iran with Israel claiming it has attacked the country's capital Tehran. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced a 'special situation' in Israel. He said its schools would be closed on Friday. There was no immediate word on what was struck in Iran. We'll bring you updates as the story develops. AP 10.09am Sydney explosion leaves two injured By Amber Schultz Loading In Sydney, a large explosion in the city's west has left two men in hospital, and up to 50 people evacuated from their homes. About 6.30am a large explosion blew a hole in the wall of the second storey of the three-level Clarence Street unit complex in Lidcombe. An occupant of the building, a man in his 40s, was found unconscious inside by firefighters. He was taken to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition with burns to his hands and face. A second man in his 60s was also taken to hospital in a stable condition for smoke inhalation. The cause of the incident is still under investigation, but police said a gas explosion was a line of inquiry. 9.46am Trump warns of Israeli strike on Iran, 'massive conflict' By Amber Schultz US President Donald Trump says there is a 'chance of massive conflict' in the Middle East, warning that Israel may attack Iran as negotiations over the country's nuclear program continue. 'I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen,' Trump told reporters on Friday AEST. 'They can't have a nuclear weapon. I prefer the more friendly path,' he said. The US has evacuated some embassy staff from the Middle East amid the tensions. Israel's ambassador to the UN Danny Danon warned the window for negotiations was almost closed. 'We are very serious when we say that we will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear capabilities,' he said. 'Trump and the administration are trying to negotiate with Iranians … That window is closing very soon.' 9.20am 'Devastating': Albanese receiving updates on Air India disaster By Amber Schultz Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the government is keeping a close eye on developments in the Air India crash. 'The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating,' he wrote in a post on X. 'In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected. Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.' 8.59am US senator handcuffed at LA press conference By Amber Schultz Loading In Los Angeles, a US senator was dragged out of a room and briefly handcuffed after interrupting a news conference on the Trump administration's immigration raids. Democratic senator Alex Padilla was manhandled and pushed out of the room by Secret Service agents when he interrupted a press conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, saying he had 'questions for the secretary'. California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, posted footage of the incident on social media. 'This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control,' he said. After a quieter day of demonstrations in downtown Los Angeles – the second night of a curfew – police said they made 81 arrests overnight, mostly for failing to disperse. 8.40am Health ministers to discuss IVF reforms after string of scandals By Angus Thomson Australia's health ministers will meet in Melbourne today to discuss reforms for the IVF sector after a second high-profile bungle by fertility giant Monash IVF. Loading Health Minister Mark Butler said state and federal governments needed to 'clean up' the sector, addressing gaps in regulation, transparency concerns, and confidence in an industry that now contributes to 20,000 births every year. 'Our third child is an IVF baby. The trust you place in these organisations, these companies, is just extraordinary,' Butler told ABC News Breakfast. 'I want to see families have utter confidence in what has traditionally been one of the safest, highest quality IVF systems on the planet, but clearly something needs to be done here.' Butler said the sector had traditionally been overseen by state governments, but there was 'clearly a case' for national consistency to address a patchwork of regulations and rules across state borders. Monash IVF chief executive Michael Knaap stepped down yesterday following a string of scandals, including two embryo mix-ups revealed in recent months. sensitive patient details were stolen and posted on the dark web in a massive data breach earlier this year.
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Stocks slide, oil and gold jump after Israel hits Iran
Stocks have dived in early Asian trade, led by a sell-off in US futures, while oil prices jumped after Israel conducted a military strike on Iran, sending investors scurrying to safe havens such as gold and the Swiss franc. The Israeli attack on Friday raises the risk of a fresh escalation in tensions in the Middle East, a major oil producing region, and comes at a time of heightened pressure on the global economy and financial markets from US President Donald Trump's shakeup of trade policies. Market reaction was swift, with US S&P E-mini futures slumping 1.5 per cent and Nasdaq futures skidding 1.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei lost 1.4 per cent and South Korea's KOSPI slipped 1.2 per cent. Brent crude jumped more than six per cent to $US73.56 a barrel. Gold climbed one per cent to about $US3,419 an ounce. Israel said it was declaring a state of emergency in anticipation of a missile and drone strike by Tehran, after what it called a "pre-emptive strike" over Iran's nuclear program. Explosions were heard northeast of Iran's capital Tehran early on Friday, the state-run Nour News said. Two US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said Israel had begun carrying out strikes on Iran and there was no US assistance or involvement in the operation. CNN reported that Trump was convening a cabinet meeting. "Traders are scurrying for safety as reports of a strike on Iran cross the wires," said Karl Schamotta, chief market strategist at Corpay in Toronto. "But details on the scale and magnitude of the attack remain scarce and moves have been relatively limited thus far." Tensions had been building as Trump's efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked. US and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran's escalating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and their Omani mediators. The Swiss franc gained about 0.4 per cent to 0.8072 per US dollar, and fellow safe haven the yen appreciated 0.3 per cent to 143.06 per dollar. The euro eased 0.3 per cent to $US1.1553, giving back a little of its 0.9 per cent overnight jump.
