News Reporter Shot With Rubber Bullets During Los Angeles Coverage

Australian news reporter Lauren Tomasi was shot with a rubber bullet during live coverage from the large-scale protests in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 8).

Tomasi, a U.S. correspondent for Nine News, appeared to have concluded her live shot when she was "caught in the crossfire" of the Los Angeles Police Department as an officer fired rubber bullets at protesters in downtown Los Angeles, the news station wrote in a clip shared of the incident on social media. The reporter, who wasn't wearing personal protective equipment at the time, appeared to grab her lower leg after shouting in pain as the cameraman quickly panned while they moved away from the police line.

"You just f**king shot the reporter," a voice off-camera was heard yelling.

Tomasi reassured her crew that she was fine despite the incident, telling them, "Yeah, I'm good, I'm good" in the clip.

President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Sunday (June 8) after the White House issued a statement announcing the deployment on Saturday (June 7) night.

“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California," the statement reads. "These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester. The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”

The protests followed demonstrations over ICE operations across the city on Friday (June 6) after federal agents raided multiple workplaces resulting in hundreds of people, including children, being detained, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Large crowds gathered near the federal building on Friday, which resulted in some clashes with authorities, while was followed by protests on Saturday where Border Patrol agents were posted up nearby, resulting in more clashes with demonstrators and footage showing smoke projectiles being deployed.