A corresponding reporter from Australian broadcaster 9News was hit by a rubber bullet during the coverage of protests against the policies of US President Donald Trump in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. The incident occurred while Lauren Tomasi made a live entrance directly from the front line of the demonstrations.
Lauren was injured in the leg by a short distance shooting, made by an agent who was part of the security team in the central region of the city. The journalist had just ended a live broadcast to Australia when she was hit. In the video released on social networks, you can see that Lauren screams in pain and the camera is quickly diverted. Despite the impact, the Australian has not suffered serious injuries and is doing well.
Who is Lauren Tomasi?
Based on Los Angeles, Lauren Tomasi is corresponding in the United States of 9News, known for his performance in coverage of great political, social and cultural relevance. Among the milestones of his career, Lauren was in Atlanta’s arrest when former President Donald Trump surrendered on accusations related to electoral interference. He also followed, directly from the New York Court, the first criminal trial in history involving an American president.
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Graduated in Journalism from the University of New South Wales, Lauren spent a year in the American state of Colorado as an exchange student, where she worked as a radio announcer. His career in communication began in the New South Wales ski mountains as a time reporter.
Outside the United States, the reporter held a relevant coverage in Brazil. He was the only Australian journalist to accompany, from inside the court, the trial for the murder of Marcelo Santoro, in Rio de Janeiro. Lauren has also covered events such as Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe, and interviewed Hollywood prominent names such as Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Snoop Dogg, Margot Robbie and Sydney Sweeney.
Prior to his international transfer, he served as a reporter at 9News Sydney, where he was leading important coverage, including the rape trial of former political advisor Bruce Lehrmann and the conviction of Chris Dawson, accused of killing his wife. Lauren also made coverage directly from the most affected areas during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Surrounded by protesters
Moments before being hit by the rubber bullet on Sunday, the reporter had already faced another risk situation, when surrounded by protesters while trying to speak over the sound of gunfire and explosions of moral grenades. One of the protesters even grasped the camera with which she communicated.
Australian broadcaster Nine, head of 9News, confirmed the occurrence in an official note: “Lauren Tomasi was hit by a rubber bullet. She and the cameraman are safe and will continue to work essentially on events. This episode is a reminder of the risks that journalists face directly from conflict areas.”
The case also generated reaction in the Australian political environment. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has classified the shot as “shocking” and “unacceptable” and asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to require urgent explanations from the United States government. “Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a strong and functional democracy,” he said.
