By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Nine News US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet during a live report on immigration protests in Los Angeles. The incident, captured on camera, shows an officer firing in the direction of Tomasi and her cameraperson. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the incident and expressed concern, promising an investigation into the use of crowd-control munitions against members of the press. The shooting highlights safety concerns for journalists covering protests.
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The incident of a Nine News reporter being struck by a rubber bullet at a Los Angeles protest raises serious questions about police accountability and the safety of journalists covering public events. The LAPD chief’s expression of concern feels insufficient given the readily available video evidence.
The video clearly shows the officer pausing, aiming directly at the reporter, and firing. This hardly suggests an accidental discharge; it appears deliberate. The casual claim of being “very concerned” rings hollow without immediate and decisive action against the officer involved. Empty words won’t suffice; the officer needs to be held accountable for assault.
The term “struck by a rubber bullet” minimizes the event. This was a direct shot fired by a police officer, a significant difference with serious implications. The deliberate nature of the act is further supported by similar incidents involving other reporters, some even hit in the head, hinting at a disturbing pattern of targeting the press.
The idea that the reporter “advanced on” the officer is completely unfounded. Video evidence shows she was standing a significant distance away, speaking to the camera, and took an involuntary step backward before being shot in the leg from behind. There was no provocation, no threat, just a journalist doing her job.
The lack of immediate answers from the LAPD fuels skepticism. While acknowledging the need for thorough investigations, the delay in addressing the incident and the officer’s actions breeds distrust. Setting a date for answers, and holding the department accountable for meeting that deadline, is crucial.
The ongoing incidents targeting journalists are deeply worrying, suggesting a growing willingness to use force against those reporting on protests. This pattern is chilling, echoing situations in other countries where authorities crack down on the press. The escalating violence against reporters calls for immediate and decisive intervention from those in authority, be it the mayor or the governor.
Proposed solutions, such as financial penalties for police misconduct, could incentivize better behavior and internal accountability within the force. The current response, limited to expressing concern, is inadequate and fails to address the systematic issue of police violence against the press.
The alteration of news reports, initially suggesting a “crossfire,” to remove any mention of such after the footage’s release, only intensifies concerns of potential cover-up attempts. This is unacceptable and underscores the importance of transparency and accountability. The claim that the reporter was caught in crossfire is factually incorrect and was likely an attempt to deflect blame.
The incident highlights a broader concern regarding the safety of journalists in the US. The lack of swift and decisive action sends a dangerous message: that attacking journalists will not result in any real consequences. This is unacceptable in a democratic society that values freedom of the press and the right to report.
The repeated emphasis on the availability of video evidence underlines the urgency of the situation. The actions of the officer, captured on camera, are undeniable and necessitate a prompt and thorough investigation. This is not a matter of differing accounts, but a clear case of assault on a journalist.
The argument that the police were simply “doing their job” is insufficient. Upholding the law does not justify assaulting journalists who pose no threat. Their job is not to deter, intimidate, or attack the press. It’s to protect and serve all citizens, including journalists reporting the news, not to suppress it.
The entire incident raises questions about the training and oversight of the LAPD. Using rubber bullets correctly entails shooting the ground to disperse energy, not directly aiming at individuals. The blatant disregard for safety standards and journalistic rights needs to be investigated thoroughly.
The current lack of accountability, compounded by the delay in addressing the incident, creates a climate of fear and potential self-censorship among journalists. This erosion of journalistic integrity and safety should concern all who value the importance of a free and independent press. The inaction speaks volumes; immediate action is required to restore trust and ensure the safety of reporters covering public events.