Australian Reporter Shot with Rubber Bullet Live on Air in LA

Australian Reporter Takes Rubber Bullet to the Arm During Live Broadcast in LA

You know how some news moments just stop you cold? This was one of them. Lauren Tomasi, an Aussie reporter for 7News, was doing her job—just standing there covering the anti-ICE protests in LA—when wham. A rubber bullet from LAPD officers smacked right into her. On live TV. And honestly? It’s got people screaming about press freedom all over again.

So What Actually Went Down?

“I’m Press!” Didn’t Matter

The footage is brutal. Tomasi’s mid-sentence when you see her flinch—then that sharp inhale of pain. Camera’s still rolling as she grabs her arm, yelling “I’m press!” before the feed cuts. Later, she’d call it “completely unprovoked.” Which, come on. She was holding a mic with a giant 7News logo on it. Not exactly blending in with the crowd.

The Bystander Effect (Angry Edition)

Here’s the thing—rubber bullets hurt like hell but rarely cause serious injury. Tomasi got patched up and was back reporting within hours. But her crew? Furious. One producer was caught on a bystander’s phone screaming at cops: “She’s got a damn press pass!” Meanwhile, LAPD’s over here like, “We’ll look into it.”

Why Was LA Burning Anyway?

ICE, Protests, and the Whole Mess

Let me break it down: imagine your least favorite government agency. Now make it responsible for deporting people. That’s ICE. These protests? They’ve been brewing for years over detention camps and families getting torn apart. But this week—with new leaked reports of abuse—the pot boiled over.

When Riot Gear Meets Molotov Cocktails

LAPD came ready for war. Full riot gear, tear gas, the works. And look—some protesters were absolutely throwing stuff. But rubber bullets at a reporter? That’s the sort of move that makes even neutral observers side-eye the police. Especially when you see the video—the cop aimed

Fallout: Outrage, Excuses, and the Usual Circus