RSF slams law enforcement over journalist assaults in LA protests
3 Min Read
The Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders says the public has a right to know exactly what's going on, which can only happen through journalists.
-
Multiple Waymo taxis burn near the Metropolitan Detention Center of downtown Los Angeles, June 8, 2025, following the immigration raid protests (AP)
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has denounced a disturbing surge in violence against journalists covering protests in Los Angeles, warning that press freedom in the US is increasingly under threat.
The organization confirmed at least 27 documented incidents of violence since June 6, most of them committed by law enforcement, according to a joint statement issued with the Los Angeles Press Club.
The Los Angeles protests erupted on Friday in response to federal immigration raids targeting workplaces. RSF noted that 24 of the 27 assaults on journalists were carried out by police forces, with three incidents attributed to protesters.
The press freedom watchdog emphasized that these attacks represent a direct assault on the public’s right to be informed about events of national interest.
"This wave of violence against journalists on the streets of Los Angeles this weekend is unacceptable. 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," said Clayton Weimers, RSF USA’s executive director.
Press freedom under threat during ICE protest coverage
Weimers warned that the situation has become “inherently dangerous", not only due to the volatile protest environment, but also because of the inability, or refusal, of law enforcement to distinguish between members of the press and demonstrators. “Authorities in LA must do more to ensure press freedom is respected during these protests,” he added.
Among the most visible incidents was the shooting of CNN-affiliate Nine News correspondent Lauren Tomasi with a rubber bullet while reporting live. Video of the incident circulated widely, amplifying concerns over the use of force against media personnel.
Welcome to Trump's America.
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) June 9, 2025
Australian TV reporter Lauren Tomasi was shot by LAPD with rubber bullets while covering the protests in L.A.
"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"
He is destroying America! pic.twitter.com/viHJq7XHri
Journalists reported being hit with so-called "less-than-lethal" munitions, including rubber bullets, tear gas, and pepper balls. RSF reiterated that the growing hostility toward journalists, particularly during coverage of high-stakes protests, constitutes a clear threat to media rights and accountability.
National Guard deployment exacerbates tensions
The situation intensified after US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles and 700 Marines, drawing criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and sparking additional concerns from press freedom groups.
RSF stated that the decision further escalated violence already being carried out by law enforcement against journalists on the ground.
As of Sunday, some 300 federal troops had been deployed to Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press (AP). Their presence coincided with several incidents of aggression against reporters.
Protesters also implicated in attacks
While the majority of incidents involving law enforcement, LA protesters were not exempt from criticism. RSF cited an episode in which a Fox 11 (KTTV) TV crew was heckled and forced to leave a protest site, an incident captured on video and widely circulated on social media.
Despite the hostile environment, RSF continues to document violations of press freedom and is urging both public officials and civil society to reaffirm the vital role of journalists in upholding democratic accountability.
