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Reporter Speaks Out After Being Shot By Police During LA Riots

Reporter’s statement after LA riot exposed.

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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.

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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.

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Viral incident explained.

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The jaw-dropping moment was captured on camera, with footage showing Tomasi mid-report as gunfire and shouting erupted behind her.

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What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly descended into chaos, with shops looted and fires set across the city’s downtown area.

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In an attempt to control crowds, LAPD officers began firing non-lethal rounds—but reporters say they were not always aiming at protesters.

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Several viral clips from the scene appear to show law enforcement aiming in the direction of press personnel.

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In the clip, Tomasi tells viewers that the situation was “rapidly deteriorating,” just seconds before a rubber bullet tears into her leg.

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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.

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Despite the impact, Tomasi remained composed, continuing to communicate with her network even as the chaos unfolded around her.

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Tomasi’s cameraman, Jimmy, was filming just feet away when she was hit, but he escaped without injury.

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Aftermath of incident clarified.

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Tomasi wasn’t the only member of the press injured—British photojournalist Nick Stern was also struck by a rubber bullet just hours earlier.

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Stern, 60, described a “shocking pain” in his leg after being shot while photographing peaceful protesters waving flags.

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“I hobbled from the road not knowing whether I was going to get hit again,” he told Metro, recalling the terrifying moment.

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Stern was taken to hospital where doctors performed surgery to remove the rubber bullet embedded in his leg.

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Social media lit up after the footage aired, with users expressing shock and anger at the treatment of the press.

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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.”

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Advocacy groups and media watchdogs are now calling for a probe into the use of force against clearly identified journalists.

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Threat against journalists highlighted.

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Both Tomasi and Stern are part of a disturbing trend: journalists increasingly finding themselves in the firing line at protest zones.

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Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists have repeatedly warned about the growing number of attacks on media during riots and demonstrations.

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Many reporters—despite wearing press badges and holding visible cameras—are still being targeted by authorities during coverage.

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Lauren Tomasi has long been 9News’ go-to correspondent for tough assignments, including previous US unrest and wildfire disasters.

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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.

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Lauren’s statement unveiled.

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Speaking to 9News anchor Peter Overton, Tomasi assured viewers: “I am okay. My cameraman Jimmy and I are both safe.”

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She added that there was “no heavy police presence” in downtown LA when the shooting occurred, leaving journalists dangerously exposed.

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9News released a statement confirming Tomasi had been hit, emphasizing the critical importance of frontline journalism in times of civil unrest.

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“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face,” the statement read.

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Despite her injury, Tomasi told viewers she plans to continue reporting from the scene, calling it part of “the job we signed up for.”

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Fellow 9News reporters praised her “grit and professionalism” after the incident, saying she “didn’t miss a beat.”

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The clip has gone viral not just for the violence, but for Tomasi’s remarkable calmness under fire—literally.

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Lauren Tomasi remains hopeful after LA riots.

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The network confirmed its team will stay on the ground “as long as it is safe to do so.”

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She later posted a brief message: “Thanks for the kind words. We’re okay. Just a small bruise and a big story.”

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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.

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