Albanese government responds after Australian journalist shot by authorities during Los Angeles protests

Sky News AU

3 hours ago

The Albanese government has confirmed that officials are in contact with an Australian journalist who was shot with a rubber bullet while covering violent protests in Los Angeles.
The Albanese government has confirmed that officials are in contact with journalist Lauren Tomasi, who was shot with a rubber bullet while covering violent protests in Los Angeles.
The Channel Nine News' US Correspondent was reporting on authorities firing rubber bullets when she was shot by an officer.
In a statement provided to Sky News, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said they were 'in contact' with an Australian injured in the protests.
'The Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles is in contact with an Australian injured in protests, and stands ready to provide consular assistance if required' the spokesperson said.
'Australia supports media freedom and the protection of journalists. All journalists should be able to do their work safely,
'The Smartraveller travel advice for the US currently advises Australians to avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the ongoing potential for unrest and violence.
'Australians should monitor the media for information and updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities.' — 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) June 9, 2025
In video footage shared online, an officer can be seen lining up his weapon at Ms Tomasi and fires at her after she finished her report.
Ms Tomasi could be seen wincing in pain before insisting she was 'good' as she and her cameraman retreated from the scene.
The incident occurred amid escalating demonstrations across Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement raids.
Violent clashes have broken out between protesters and police, prompting the deployment of National Guard troops.
Authorities have declared some protests 'unlawful assemblies', citing projectiles thrown at officers.
Greens Senator and media spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young condemned the shooting, calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to seek an explanation from the US.
'US authorities shooting an Australian journalist is simply shocking,' Ms Hanson-Young said in a statement on Monday.
'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.'
Mr Albanese and President Trump are expected to meet at the G7 Summit in Canada between June 15 and 17.
Tensions continue to rise in California following Trump's deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops, a move labelled 'unlawful' by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed LA had been 'invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals'.
'Violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations — But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve,' the President said.