Credit: Nine News
Horrifying Moment Reporter Shot By Police On Air While Filming LA Riots
A shocking video shows a news reporter being shot by police live on air while filming the LA riots.
Working as a reporter often comes with risks, but one thing you never expect to happen is to be shot for just doing your job.
Many journalists in war zones wear jackets emblazoned with the word ‘PRESS’ in a large font to try and offer them some protection from getting caught in the crossfire.
One unfortunate reporter in Los Angeles had a very bad day at work while covering protests.
Lauren Tomasi is an Australian reporter who works as the U.S. correspondent for Nine News.
She was reporting on the riots in the U.S., which have been described as ‘rapidly deteriorating’ following actions by President Donald Trump.
Tomasi was doing a piece to camera on Sunday night when she was struck by a rubber bullet.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has since issued a statement, and have said ‘all journalists should be able to do their work safely.’
The statement continued: “Australia supports media freedom and the protection of journalists.”
Talking to the camera, Tomasi said: “The LAPD are moving in on horseback and firing rubber bullets at protesters.”
She explained what was happening with the police, saying they were ‘moving them (protesters) on through the heart of LA.’
As she talked, loud bangs could be heard behind her.
Seconds later, a policeman can be seen aiming his gun at Tomasi. She reacted in shock and pain, as nearby protesters reacted angrily.
“You just f***ing shot a reporter,” one shouted.
Other protesters stopped to check in with Tomasi, and asked if the reporter was alright after taking the rubber gunshot.
The reporter insisted: “I’m good, I’m good,” before later confirming she has been ‘left sore but otherwise unharmed.’
The riots began after President Trump started a crackdown on illegal immigrants.
People are protesting against raids carried out by ICE, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement team.
Trump has also signed a new order banning people from entering from several countries.
Cars have been set on fire during the riots, with toxic gases too. Other protesters chained themselves to furniture to create a blockade.
They successfully brought Downtown LA to a complete halt with their actions.
The violence has been going on for three days now, leading Trump to send in 2,000 National Guard troops and placed 500 Marines on standby.
The LAPD has apparently been given permission to use ‘less lethal munitions’ in a bid to stop the riots.
Trump hit out at rioters, saying those involved are not ‘peaceful protesters’ but ‘troublemakers and insurrectionists.’
Officers reported ‘people in the crowd are throwing concrete, bottles and other objects.’
Other officers have also been injured by motorcyclists who drove through the rioters and into law enforcement.
Police were also reported to have been hit by fireworks.
Police and authorities on horseback were seen defending the Los Angeles City Hall. They were quoted as saying they were in for a ‘rough night.’
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