Journalists attacked by police while covering LA protests spark outcry
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Multiple reporters were detained or injured by less-lethal rounds while on assignment.
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A California Highway Patrol officer pulls an electric scooter off a vehicle on a highway as protesters throw objects at the police vehicles near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, Sunday, June 8, 2025 (AP)
Journalists covering the ongoing protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies are reporting a wave of violent encounters with law enforcement. Multiple reporters say they were hit with rubber bullets, detained, or fired on with less-lethal munitions, prompting condemnation from press freedom groups and renewed calls for accountability.
CNN correspondent Jason Carroll and his crew were briefly detained live on air while covering the demonstrations on Monday. In footage of the encounter, Los Angeles police officers are seen telling the journalists to vacate the area before escorting them away. “I asked, ‘Am I being arrested?’” Carroll later recounted. “They said, ‘No... you’re being detained.’”
CNN’s Jason Carroll was zip-tied and escorted away—for reporting the news. But they claimed he wasn’t under arrest?
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) June 10, 2025
Why are they shooting rubber bullets at and silencing journalists? We still have a First Amendment. pic.twitter.com/WybbgRxj0g
Although the crew was released after showing press credentials, CNN confirmed the detention and called the incident part of a troubling pattern. “We are pleased the situation resolved quickly,” a spokesperson said. “CNN will continue to report out the news unfolding in Los Angeles.”
Rubber bullets, sponge grenades hit journalists
The incidents weren’t limited to detentions. Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi from Nine News was struck in the leg by a rubber bullet while reporting live. “This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests,” the network said.
Phenomenal response from Australian media on the incident in which Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was shot with a rubber bullet at relatively short range by a police officer.
— 𝔗𝔯𝔲𝔱𝔥 𝔐𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔰 (@politicsusa46) June 10, 2025
To be very clear, she posed no threat to the officer, Indeed she had her back to him. It was clear… pic.twitter.com/ZBv74ZXgwu
CalMatters reporter Sergio Olmos said he was hit by what he believes was a 40mm sponge grenade, calling it the most force used in a single protest he’s covered in the US. CNN also documented the use of tear gas, pepper balls, bean-bag rounds, and flash-bangs during protest dispersals.
British photographer Nick Stern suffered a severe injury from a police projectile on Saturday and was awaiting surgery as of Sunday. The injury required hospitalization and was attributed to a “non-lethal” round.
British news photographer, Nick Stern, recalls the moment a 14 millimetre 'plastic bullet' tore through his thigh while he was documenting a stand-off between protesters and police in LosAngeles. Says no warning before being fired on. #LosAngelesProtests pic.twitter.com/YZ9OmDYVfI
— Misinformation Fact Checker (@MisinfoFact) June 10, 2025
A New York Times reporter and a freelance photographer for the New York Post were also struck by law enforcement munitions while clearly identifying as press. The Post photographer, who was wearing a visible press badge, was hit in the head and later treated for whiplash and neck trauma.
Law enforcement faces scrutiny, but remains silent
Despite mounting reports, the Los Angeles Police Department has not responded to detailed inquiries about the incidents. In a brief news release, the department stated that its Professional Standards Bureau is investigating allegations of excessive force and other conduct issues during the protests.
Alongside the LAPD, at least four other law enforcement entities are now active across the city, including ICE, the California Highway Patrol, the LA Sheriff’s Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Guarding the federal building are California National Guard, U.S. Marshalls, Federal Protective service, and CBP. pic.twitter.com/x3Vk27WimX
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2025
The California Highway Patrol has also declined to comment after one of its officers reportedly fired at a journalist from nearly 100 yards away.
CPJ, RSF condemn attacks on media
Prominent advocacy organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), issued sharp condemnations.
“We are greatly concerned by reports of law enforcement officers shooting non-lethal rounds at reporters covering protests in Los Angeles,” said Katherine Jacobsen, CPJ's US, Canada, and Caribbean program coordinator. “Any attempt to silence media coverage by intimidating or injuring journalists should not be tolerated.”
RSF reported at least 27 incidents of violence against journalists at the LA protests since June 6, 24 attributed to law enforcement, and three by individuals.
“This is unacceptable,” said Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF USA. “These protests are a matter of huge public interest, and the public has a right to know exactly what’s going on. The only way that can happen is if journalists are allowed to do their jobs freely.”
Growing pattern of media suppression
The incidents in Los Angeles echo similar attacks on reporters seen during past waves of protests in the US. Despite the press’s constitutionally protected role in covering matters of public concern, journalists increasingly face threats and violence from the very institutions they report on.
As the protests over immigration enforcement continue, press advocates warn that failing to protect journalists sends a dangerous signal, not only to law enforcement but to the public that depends on their reporting.
