The massive ICE protests in Los Angeles have taken the world by storm. Many people are divided on the protests, with some viewing them as innocent and others claiming they are uncontrolled rioting. One thing that can’t be disputed is that innocent people are getting hurt, no matter what the protests are about. An Australian reporter covering the protests was shot by LAPD and the whole thing was caught on video.
In the wild viral video posted to PublicFreakout Reddit by user Pokemonbobdylan, you can see Lauren Tomasi, a U.S. correspondent for 9News who hails from Australia, talking about the protests while loud bangs, likely from tear gas or flashbang grenades, are going off in the background. As she backs up, facing the bangs, you can clearly see a cop aim at her while her back is turned and shoot her with a rubber bullet for no reason.
She was not facing the police, clearly a reporter, and he took aim and shot her indiscriminately. She then winces in pain as the cameraman yells about the reporter being shot before the video abruptly ends. The clip is wild, and it set the internet on fire with reactions to the horrible incident.
“Literally aims her out and everything. Pigs are here to protect the establishment. That isn’t you or the free media.”
“Maybe the camera shouldn’t have resisted??”
“There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. I give you LA’s Finest – a psychopath willing to shoot an unarmed reporter in the back.”
“Funny thing is, this wouldn’t break the top 50 of the worst things the LAPD has ever done.”
“Wow. I had to watch that part a couple times to be sure, but he took deliberate aim at her. At least that’s what it looks like to me. That’s unreal. Wtf”
“Gestapo is in full force people. Be safe.”
The video serves as a warning about the dangers of these protests. Even if you intend to do it peacefully, all it takes is one deranged cop to cause drama and serious harm. If you are protesting the California ICE raids, be cautious.
