JERAA Statement: Condemning violence against 9News journalist and cameraman in LA Protests

By JERAA Executive

June 10, 2025

Members of the Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia (JERAA) have condemned the violence directed at 9News US Correspondent Lauren Tomasi who appears to have been hit by a rubber bullet shot by a LAPD police officer during LA protests.

A 9News cameraman who was recording Tomasi’s live cross also came under fire in this incident but was uninjured.

Journalists do incredibly important work during critical unfolding situations like the LA protests. They should be protected to do this work safely.

When violence is directed at journalists, whether deliberately or not, this has a chilling effect on press freedom and in turn, on the public’s access to the facts during critical situations such as wars, atrocities, protests and natural disasters.

JERAA affirms the bravery of journalists like Tomasi who work on the frontline of breaking news events to ensure the public are informed.

We call on journalists to be protected in their work and join with those calling for a full investigation of the incident in which Tomasi was shot to ensure there are consequences for unacceptable police violence.

JERAA Executive