Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was hit by a rubber bullet during a live report on June 8, 2025, while covering protests in Downtown Los Angeles. “The LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets,” she said moments before being struck and stumbling out of the shot. Despite the injury, she quickly assured viewers, “I’m good.”
The protests erupted after immigration raids led to dozens of arrests across L.A. Demonstrations escalated into violent clashes between protesters and police, with flash bangs, burning cars, and blocked highways. “What began as pretty calm, has turned into chaos,” Tomasi wrote on Instagram.
In response, the Trump administration deployed 2,000 National Guard troops, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warning active-duty Marines could be used if violence persisted. Protesters, waving Mexican flags, chanted, “ICE out of L.A.!”
Governor Gavin Newsom called the federal response “purposefully inflammatory,” urging peaceful protest. “Never use violence,” he posted. Trump countered by threatening federal intervention, stating state leaders had lost control.
While tensions remain high, the Insurrection Act has not been invoked. The situation continues to draw national scrutiny over immigration policy and the federal response to civil unrest.
