Nine CEO Matt Stanton has described as “shocking” the moment a rubber bullet, fired from a police weapon, struck 9News U.S. correspondent Lauren Tomasi during a live assignment in downtown Los Angeles.
In a strongly worded statement, Stanton confirmed the broadcaster will offer full cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department’s newly opened investigation into the incident, which occurred amid escalating protests over immigration enforcement.
“The video footage captured by our team on Sunday showing a projectile fired from a police officer’s weapon was shocking and raised concerns from around the world,” Stanton said.
“There are valid questions around what could in any way have justified the actions taken by the police officer. This is why a formal investigation is so important. It is important to find out what happened and why. I plan to write to the LAPD Commissioner offering our cooperation with the investigation.”
Matt Stanton
Stanton added that Nine’s immediate priority has been supporting both Tomasi and camera operator James Phillips following the incident.
“Our focus has been on providing all the support Lauren and our camera operator James Phillips need in the aftermath of Sunday’s incident,” he said.
“As 9News continues to cover these dramatic and troubling events in Los Angeles for Australian audiences, the safety of our 9News teams in the U.S. remains the priority.”
He also credited the Australian Government for its fast and coordinated diplomatic response.
“I’d like to thank the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and DFAT officials in Australia and the United States, including Ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd and Consul General Los Angeles Tanya Bennett, for the assistance afforded to Lauren, James and the 9News team,” Stanton said.
“The active and direct engagement of the Australian Government with government and law enforcement officials in the U.S. played an important role in ensuring an investigation has been established in such a timely manner.”
Investigation launched
Earlier today, the Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed it is conducting a formal investigation after Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet while reporting live from protests in downtown LA.
The incident, which occurred during escalating demonstrations over immigration enforcement, has raised fresh questions about press safety and the use of force by authorities.
Tomasi was hit in the leg shortly after completing a live cross to Australian audiences.
The projectile is believed to have been fired by law enforcement officers working to disperse the crowd outside the city’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell
A growing concern for journalist safety
Tomasi later confirmed she was “a bit sore, but okay,” and continued reporting in the aftermath. In a statement, Nine Network said both Tomasi and her camera operator were safe and reaffirmed their commitment to covering events on the ground.
The incident, however, highlights the increasing risks faced by journalists reporting from protest zones.
“This serves as a reminder of the dangers media crews encounter while bearing witness to critical global events,” Nine said. “Their work is essential to ensuring the public remains informed.”
The LAPD’s decision to open a formal inquiry suggests growing scrutiny over the tactics used by law enforcement to manage protest activity.
Questions remain over whether Tomasi was targeted or struck inadvertently as tensions between protesters and police spiralled over the weekend.
Lauren Tomasi
Protests flare in response to immigration crackdowns
The demonstrations in Los Angeles were sparked by a new wave of federal immigration raids sanctioned under former President Donald Trump’s administration.
What began as a series of small community protests soon grew into city-wide demonstrations, blocking major roads, including the 101 Freeway, and drawing national attention.
The unrest intensified after Trump ordered National Guard troops into the area, a move California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly condemned as unnecessary and provocative.
Over the weekend, police deployed tear gas, flashbangs, and rubber bullets in an attempt to quell the growing crowds, declaring several assemblies unlawful.
While Trump has referred to the demonstrators as “troublemakers and insurrectionists,” critics argue that this rhetoric and the show of force have only heightened public unrest and distrust.