Among the injured were British photojournalist Nick Stern and Australian TV correspondent Lauren Tomasi, both of whom were clearly identified as members of the press.
SHAH ALAM - What began as a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) raids and the National Guard's deployment in Los Angeles (LA), United States (US), escalated into violence, leaving several journalists injured by less lethal rounds fired by law enforcement.
Among the injured were British photojournalist Nick Stern and Australian TV correspondent Lauren Tomasi, both of whom were clearly identified as members of the press.
Journalists Caught in the Crossfire
Protests in LA over immigration enforcement turned chaotic as law enforcement officers fired less lethal rounds of foam projectiles and explosive devices into crowds. At least three journalists were struck, raising serious concerns about the safety of media professionals covering civil unrest.
Stern, who was documenting protests in Paramount on June 7, sustained a severe injury from what he described as a “three-inch flash bang in a plastic casing.” The device became deeply embedded in his thigh and required emergency surgery.
“I was photographing people who were just waving Mexican flags. Then I felt this tremendous pain in my left thigh. There was something hard sticking out of the back of my leg and my leg was getting wet from blood.
“I suddenly got this terrific pain in my leg. I tried hobbling away but I could not put any weight on my leg. I always wear my press ID around my neck so it is highly visible. I was carrying a large camera with a video camera attached. I make sure I am clearly identifiable as media,” he said.
A Sudden Escalation
According to Stern, the police, identified as members of the LA County Sheriff’s Department, fired the round from behind a defensive line without warning.
“There was no approach. They were just firing from a defensive position behind their cars. I was not aware of anyone throwing projectiles or doing anything aggressive,” he said.
The protests in Paramount had intensified as demonstrators opposed Ice operations. Sheriff Robert Luna said the event escalated when protesters began throwing objects at federal agents.
"Anybody has the right to peacefully assemble, but when that crosses the line to where you are attacking other people, that is where we as a department have to step in.
“Deputies will be defending themselves. I do not think anybody expects our deputy sheriffs to take rocks and bottles without defending themselves,” Luna said.
Stern, however, insisted the area he was standing in was peaceful.
“Where I was standing, there was nothing more than people waving flags,” he added.
“You Just Shot the Reporter”
Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi of 9News Australia was hit while reporting live in downtown LA. In video footage, she was seen describing the tension.
“The situation has now rapidly deteriorated, the LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets,” Tomasi said while reporting.
Moments later, a law enforcement officer raises a weapon and fires directly toward her. She screams and hobbles off camera, clutching her leg.
“You just shot the reporter!” someone can be heard shouting off camera.
The following day, Tomasi told 9News that both she and her cameraman, Jimmy, were safe. She shared that moments like these are part of the harsh realities that come with covering stories of this nature.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade later released a statement in support of her, saying, “All journalists should be able to do their work safely.”
The LAPD said it had no comment on specific incidents. The California Highway Patrol clarified it was not involved in Tomasi’s case. The LA County Sheriff’s Department responded that video footage of Stern’s incident is still under review and that Tomasi’s incident appeared to involve another agency.
Media Targeted?
Stern believes the press may have been targeted, though he stops short of making a definitive accusation.
“I have a possible belief that they do target the media, but I have nothing to prove that,” he said.
This is not Stern’s first brush with danger. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, he was also hit by a foam round.
“That was painful, but it did not break the skin. This one? I needed surgery. It was not a surface injury, it was fully embedded. The wound is so large they had to attach a vacuum drain,” he said.
The projectile that struck Stern had penetrated deep into his muscle, requiring surgical removal. The recovery process has been excruciating. He still can’t walk, remains connected to a wound drainage system and relies on IV antibiotics to ward off infection.
Despite the trauma, Stern remains committed to journalism.
“Your safety and health should come first. But if you lead with that, you cannot do the job you are out there to do. Documenting what is happening in the US right now is so important; socially, politically, culturally. It needs to be seen,” he emphasised.
Citing renowned war photographer Robert Capa, Stern shared the quote, “If your pictures are not good enough, you are not close enough,” a principle he has long lived by. However, he acknowledged that getting close often comes with significant risk.
Official Response from Law Enforcement
The LA County Sheriff’s Department released a statement emphasising its commitment to media freedom.
“The LASD does not condone any actions that intentionally target members of the press and we continuously train our personnel to distinguish and respect the rights of clearly identified journalists in the field.
“We are committed to an open and transparent relationship with members of the media. The LA County Sheriff’s Department values its relationship with the media and remains firmly committed to transparency, especially during emergencies and critical incidents,” the statement read.
However, concerns persist that “non lethal” rounds, while less deadly than live ammunition, continue to inflict serious injuries. These incidents echo those during the George Floyd protests, where dozens of journalists were injured by law enforcement while covering demonstrations.
Growing Calls for Reform
Foam rounds, flash-bangs and other so-called “non lethal” weapons have come under increasing scrutiny. Though meant for crowd control, they have resulted in permanent injuries, including vision loss, broken bones and deep tissue damage.
Injuries to journalists like Stern and Tomasi reignite questions about whether these weapons should be used at all, particularly when members of the media, clearly identifiable, were caught in the crossfire.
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