‘You shot her’: Aussie reporter hit in LA riots chaos

An Australian TV reporter covering the LA riots has been shot by a rubber bullet, as the strife-torn city braces for more immigration protests. See the video.

An Australian TV reporter covering the LA riots has been shot in the leg by a rubber bullet amid the chaos.

Channel 9 correspondent Lauren Tomasi was reporting live on the protests when she was hit, causing her to shout out in pain.

“You just f***in’ shot the reporter!” a voice off camera shouted.

A shocked Tomasi was left reeling in the immediate aftermath, hopping on one leg in pain, but told bystanders she was okay.

Lauren Tomasi was reporting on the LA protests

The shocking moment Lauren Tomasi was hit with a rubber bullet..

It came as hundreds of soldiers were deployed across Los Angeles as the strife-torn city braces for another day of immigration protests.

US President Donald Trump made the extraordinary decision to deploy the National Guard in an attempt to quell a violent uprising by Californians opposed to sweeping immigration raids taking place across the city.

Protesters set trash cans on fire in front of City Hall during clashes with the police. Picture: Apu Gomes/Getty Images/AFP

A man holds signs as cars burn in Los Angeles. Picture: AFP

California Highway Patrol officers try to dodge rocks being thrown near the Metropolitan Detention Centre in downtown Los Angeles. Picture: AP

Protesters confront police on the 101 Freeway near the detention centre in downtown LA. Picture: AP

Burning cars line a street as people protest in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

A protester confronts a line of US National Guard troops in Los Angeles. Picture: AP

National Guard troops in riot gear. Picture: AP

Demonstrators block the streets near the Metropolitan Detention Centre. Picture: AFP

The National Guard, police and protesters stand off outside a downtown jail in Los Angeles. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

It came as President Trump said he was banning protesters from wearing masks, asking what they had to hide.

“These radical left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will not be tolerated,” he wrote on Truth Social just before 3am Sunday local time.

“Also, from now on, masks will not be allowed to be worn at protests. What do these people have to hide, and why? Again, thank you to the National Guard for a job well done!”

The National Guard, police and protesters stand off outside a downtown jail in Los Angeles. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

A protester is detained in downtown Los Angeles. Picture: AP

A protester is dragged away in downtown Los Angeles. Picture: AP

A protester defies orders as tear gas is used. Picture: AP

A protester is detained near the metropolitan detention centre of downtown Los Angeles. Picture: AP

Mr Trump on Sunday appeared to leave the door open to deploying soldiers in other cities.

Before heading to the Presidential country retreat Camp David, he told reporters: “We’re going to have troops everywhere.”

US President Donald Trump trips while boarding Air Force One prior to departure from Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey, en route to Camp David. Picture: AFP

Donald Trump falls

“We’re not going to let this happen to our country,” he said.

Around noon Sunday the California National Guard said 300 soldiers were on the ground “conducting safety and protection of federal property and personnel”.

Law enforcement clash with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations, in the Compton neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. Picture: AFP

US National Guard troops are deployed outside the federal prison in downtown Los Angeles. Picture: AP

Protesters block the 101 Freeway near the metropolitan detention centre of downtown Los Angeles. Picture: AP

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said in addition to the 2000 National Guardsmen being deployed, Marines stationed in Southern California were on high alert and could also be mobilised.

The decision was blasted by California’s Governor Gavin Newsom who described the National Guard deployment as “intentionally inflammatory” and warned the heavy-handed approach risked escalating tensions.

Protesters clash with authorities in downtown Los Angeles. Picture: AP

“The Secretary of Defence is now threatening to deploy active duty Marines on American soil against its own citizens,” Governor Newsom wrote.

“This is deranged behaviour.”

He also criticised the president’s praise of a job well done by the National Guard, saying none were on the ground when he made the comment.

Protesters against immigration raids march toward downtown Los Angeles, California. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

Immigration rights supporters, protests outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC, in downtown Los Angeles, California. Picture: AFP

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MUGSHOTS OF ARRESTED PROTESTORS REVEALED

Mugshots of some of the protestors have been released by US homeland security.

ICE arrested Francisco Sanchez-Arguello, a 38-year-old illegal alien from Mexico.

ICE arrested Cuong Chanh Phan, a 49-year-old illegal alien from Vietnam.

In a news conference, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell has said 10 protesters have been arrested during clashes with police in downtown LA.

ICE arrested Jordan Mauricio Meza-Esquibel, 32-year-old illegal alien from Honduras.

ICE arrested Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron, 43-year-old illegal alien from Peru.

“Our job is not to divide communities or to politicize law enforcement. Our job is simply to keep everyone safe,” McDonnell said.

Los Angeles riots arrest shots released by homeland security. Clockwise starting top left Victor Mendoza-Aguilar, Armando Ordaz, Lionel Sanchez-Laguna, Jose Gregorio Medranda Ortiz, Jesus Alan Hernandez-Morales and Delfino Aguilar-Martinez were all arrested by ICE.

LA HIGHWAY BLOCKED BY PROTESTERS

Masses of protesters have shut down a major LA highway after marching up an on-ramp, sparking traffic chaos.

Live footage from the scene shows law enforcement officers trying to push the crowd back, slowly advancing while firing tear gas canisters.

Rioters are being handcuffed with zip ties and led away from the scene.

KAMALA HARRIS ‘APPALLED’

Former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the riots and the government’s response.

“Los Angeles is my home. And like so many Americans, I am appalled at what we are witnessing on the streets of our city,” she said in a written statement.

“Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos.

“In addition to the recent ICE raids in Southern California and across our nation, it is part of the Trump Administration’s cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”

Ms Harris alleged the administration was attempting to stoke fear in a community that was “demanding dignity and due process”.

“Protest is a powerful tool - essential in the fight for justice,” she said.

And as the LAPD, Mayor, and Governor have noted, demonstrations in defence of our immigrant neighbours have been overwhelmingly peaceful.

“I continue to support the millions of Americans who are standing up to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms.”

US DEMOCRATS DECRY TROOP DEPLOYMENT

US Democratic governors slammed President Donald Trump’s deployment of troops, saying that authority should rest with state leadership.“

“President Trump’s move to deploy California’s National Guard is an alarming abuse of power,” the governors said in a joint statement.

“It’s important we respect the executive authority of our country’s governors to manage their National Guards.”

TEARGAS USED ON PROTESTERS

Protesters gathered outside an LA immigration detention centre have been fired on with teargas canisters by law enforcement officers guarding the building.

Local police reported Sunday’s protests had been relatively peaceful compared to the violent scenes that unfolded Saturday.

Mr Trump said he had directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defence secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi to take “all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the migrant invasion and put an end to these migrant riots”.

Teargas canisters are seen on the floor during a protest. Picture: AFP

“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by illegal aliens and criminals,’ he said.

“Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our federal agents to try and stop our deportation operations - but these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve.

“Order will be restored, the illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free.”

DOZENS ARRESTED

Shocking images emerged of Los Angeles in recent days as protesters clashed with law enforcement.

Officers in riot gear used flash bang grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas to drive back angry mobs who pelted law enforcement with rocks and chunks of concrete.

Law enforcement clash with demonstrators outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC, in downtown Los Angeles, California. Picture: AFP

The riots began on Friday after a series of immigration raids across the city.

Dozens of people have been arrested.

“We’re going to continue doing our job. We’re going to push back on these people and we’re going to enforce the law,” Tom Homan, Acting Director of US Immigration and Custom Enforcement, said on Fox News.

An officer shoots a flash-bang grenade outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC, in downtown Los Angeles, California. Picture: AFP

Cops also shut part of a freeway amid raids on undocumented migrants, reports said. Picture: AFP

Mr Trump lashed Californian leaders over their handling of the chaotic protests, referring to long-time rival Governor Gavin Newsom as “Newscum”.

The president made the comments ahead of a scheduled appearance at a UFC Ultimate Fighting Championship match in New Jersey.

Dozens of people have been arrested as cops clashed with demonstrators outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC, in downtown Los Angeles, California. Picture: AFP

The White House issued a statement warning those participating in the aggression against federal officers “carrying out basic deportation operations” would be “arrested and swiftly brought to justice”.

“These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

US Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat of California speaks to reporters outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC, in downtown Los Angeles, California. Picture: AFP

Demonstrators shout and film at police during a protest in the Paramount section of Los Angeles after federal immigration authorities conducted operations. Picture: AP

“In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.

“That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester. The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behaviour and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs.”

Border Patrol personnel deploy tear gas during a demonstration over the dozens detained in an operation by federal immigration authorities. Picture: AP

Images and video showed a chaotic scene as hundreds of protesters filled the streets and clashed with federal agents in riot gear attempting to impede apprehensions by Border Patrol in Paramount, California, near a Home Depot hardware store.

The dystopian scene showed the heavily armoured agents firing teargas canisters in order to disperse demonstrators who raged for hours in a messy and tumultuous street takeover.

A protester attempts to evade a Department of Homeland Security officer after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation. Picture: AP

A protester throws a rock during riots in Los Angeles. Picture: AP

One violent protester in a face-covering helmet hurled rocks at the windows of cars right outside the super store — cracking some Border Patrol pick-up trucks in the windshield, according to viral video.

Video circulating online showed an American flag on a fire in the middle of the street across from the home improvement store which was mired by demonstrators, Saturday.

Other protesters during the day stood in front of a federal bus to stop in from carrying off alleged illegal immigrants, video on social media showed.

PROTESTS BEGAN AFTER RAID ON LA FASHION HUB

Violent protests began when federal agents raided multiple workplaces in LA’s fashion district and other locations on Saturday, with the conflagrations continuing at the Paramount Home Depot, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

The Trump administration ripped into Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass after a violent mob swarmed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducting immigration raids in the city — while the Department of Homeland Security claimed local cops waited two hours to help push back the agitators when the trouble started.

A protester holds a sign as Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks stand guard outside an industrial park in the Paramount section of Los Angeles. Picture: AP

Lefty pols like Bass are “villainis[ing] and demonis[ing ] ICE law enforcement,” leading to the violence that saw roughly 1000 agitators attack law enforcement officers, deface buildings, slash tires and committing other crimes, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.

“The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable, and Mayor Bass and (California) Governor Newsom must call for it to end,” she added in a statement Saturday.

“The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens.”

A protester stands in front of Los Angeles Police Department officers attempting to disperse a protest after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation. Picture: AP

Los Angeles Police Department officers move to disperse a protest. Picture: AP

There’s been a 413 per cent increase in assaults on ICE agents since President Trump took office in January, compared to the same period last year, McLaughlin said.

Images released by DHS Saturday show parts of downtown Los Angeles covered in vulgar graffiti, including “F*** ICE” and “KILL ICE” spray-painted on fences and buildings – as well as a flyer handed out by the Communist group RefuseFascism.org saying “The Trump Fascist Regime MUST GO NOW!!!”

Helmeted LAPD cops in riot gear faced off Friday evening with protesters after a day of federal immigration raids in the city. At least 44 people were arrested.

The Los Angeles Police Department did not return messages.

Law enforcement officers gather as tear gas fills the air during a protest after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation. Picture: AP

A protester pours water over a tear gas canister during a protest after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation. Picture: AP

Los Angeles Police officers gather during a protest after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation. Picture: AP

‘DEEPLY TROUBLING’: NYC MAYOR REACTS

New York Mayoral candidate and former-governor Andrew Cuomo weighed in on the ICE raids and the protests in both Los Angeles and New York.
“The recent ICE crackdowns in Los Angeles and New York City are a deeply troubling escalation in immigration enforcement tactics that undermine community trust and the principles of due process,” Mr Cuomo said in a statement.

Department of Homeland Security police officers stand during a protest after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation. Picture: AP

A Department of Homeland Security officer reacts after shooting pepper balls during a protest at the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons. Picture: AP

“I believe in upholding the rule of law and maintaining secure borders, but these operations — marked by military-style raids, the use of flash-bang grenades, and the detention of individuals, including those attempting to document the events — cross a line into cruelty and unnecessary fear mongering,” Mr Cuomo said in the statement.

Hundreds of migrants, including children, were detained by ICE agents Friday, the ACLU said.

The DHS, however, said operations in LA this week have resulted in the arrest of 118 illegal migrants – including five gang members and others with past criminal charges that include drug trafficking, assault, cruelty to children and robbery, according to the DHS.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned “rioters” of prosecution if they “lay a hand” on authorities, while FBI Director Kash Patel responded to comments from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass saying the city “will not stand” for the raids.

“We will,” Mr Patel said.

Originally published as ‘You shot her’: Aussie reporter hit in LA riots chaos