Reporter’s statement after LA riot exposed.
Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi was left stunned after being shot in the leg with a rubber bullet while filming a live segment on the escalating violence in Los Angeles.
The latest unrest in Los Angeles was sparked by a viral video showing a violent encounter between police and an unarmed man in South Central.
Viral incident explained.
The jaw-dropping moment was captured on camera, with footage showing Tomasi mid-report as gunfire and shouting erupted behind her.
What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly descended into chaos, with shops looted and fires set across the city’s downtown area.
In an attempt to control crowds, LAPD officers began firing non-lethal rounds—but reporters say they were not always aiming at protesters.
Several viral clips from the scene appear to show law enforcement aiming in the direction of press personnel.
In the clip, Tomasi tells viewers that the situation was “rapidly deteriorating,” just seconds before a rubber bullet tears into her leg.
Without warning, Tomasi stumbles in shock as she’s hit by what appears to be a targeted shot—her pain and confusion playing out live on screen.
Despite the impact, Tomasi remained composed, continuing to communicate with her network even as the chaos unfolded around her.
Tomasi’s cameraman, Jimmy, was filming just feet away when she was hit, but he escaped without injury.
Aftermath of incident clarified.
Tomasi wasn’t the only member of the press injured—British photojournalist Nick Stern was also struck by a rubber bullet just hours earlier.
Stern, 60, described a “shocking pain” in his leg after being shot while photographing peaceful protesters waving flags.
“I hobbled from the road not knowing whether I was going to get hit again,” he told Metro, recalling the terrifying moment.
Stern was taken to hospital where doctors performed surgery to remove the rubber bullet embedded in his leg.
Social media lit up after the footage aired, with users expressing shock and anger at the treatment of the press.
Thousands commented on the clip, with one viewer saying, “She had a mic and a camera—there’s no way they didn’t know she was media.”
Advocacy groups and media watchdogs are now calling for a probe into the use of force against clearly identified journalists.
Threat against journalists highlighted.
Both Tomasi and Stern are part of a disturbing trend: journalists increasingly finding themselves in the firing line at protest zones.
Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists have repeatedly warned about the growing number of attacks on media during riots and demonstrations.
Many reporters—despite wearing press badges and holding visible cameras—are still being targeted by authorities during coverage.
Lauren Tomasi has long been 9News’ go-to correspondent for tough assignments, including previous US unrest and wildfire disasters.
She’s built a reputation for keeping her cool on-air—even in the most high-risk situations, including previous clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Lauren’s statement unveiled.
Speaking to 9News anchor Peter Overton, Tomasi assured viewers: “I am okay. My cameraman Jimmy and I are both safe.”
She added that there was “no heavy police presence” in downtown LA when the shooting occurred, leaving journalists dangerously exposed.
9News released a statement confirming Tomasi had been hit, emphasizing the critical importance of frontline journalism in times of civil unrest.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face,” the statement read.
Despite her injury, Tomasi told viewers she plans to continue reporting from the scene, calling it part of “the job we signed up for.”
Fellow 9News reporters praised her “grit and professionalism” after the incident, saying she “didn’t miss a beat.”
The clip has gone viral not just for the violence, but for Tomasi’s remarkable calmness under fire—literally.
Lauren Tomasi remains hopeful after LA riots.
The network confirmed its team will stay on the ground “as long as it is safe to do so.”
She later posted a brief message: “Thanks for the kind words. We’re okay. Just a small bruise and a big story.”
The moment Lauren Tomasi was shot on-air is now making headlines around the world—raising tough questions about press safety in America’s streets.