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Los Angeles, LAPD Chief Sued Over Alleged Assaults of Journalists at Protests
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Los Angeles, LAPD Chief Sued Over Alleged Assaults of Journalists at Protests

The protests in Los Angeles have seen several episodes in which journalists have been struck by rounds from LAPD.
byAkira
August 6, 2025
Los Angeles, LAPD Chief Sued Over Alleged Assaults of Journalists at Protests

Press Group Files Lawsuit Against LAPD Over Alleged Journalist Assaults During ICE Protests

A press advocacy organization has filed a lawsuit alleging that journalists were physically assaulted and denied access while covering protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles. The lawsuit highlights growing tensions between law enforcement and media personnel during public demonstrations.

Legal Action Details

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court against the City of Los Angeles and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, alleges violations of:

  • First Amendment rights
  • Fourteenth Amendment rights
  • State laws regarding “less-lethal munitions” usage

The complainants seek a court order to prevent further law enforcement misconduct against journalists. According to the filing, “The widespread use of force against journalists by LAPD officers indicates an intent to prevent public scrutiny of police conduct toward demonstrators.”

Documented Incidents of Press Interference

Multiple journalists reported being targeted by law enforcement, including:

  • Lauren Tomasi (9 News Queensland) – shot with a less-lethal round while standing in an empty intersection
  • Tina Berg – forcibly removed from multiple locations despite maintaining legal distance from protests
  • Reporters from The New York Times, Cal Matters, and Capital & Main – reportedly shot while covering events

Law Enforcement Response

LAPD Chief McDonnell defended police actions, stating to KNBC that “It went well until police officers started being attacked.” However, the National Press Club has countered this narrative, asserting that journalists were “not caught in the crossfire — they were targeted.”

Media Perspective

ABC News reporter Matt Gutman’s live television encounter with law enforcement exemplified the tensions, as he stated: “We’re on TV, and now you’re pushing me on live television. We didn’t push anyone. You know that’s true.”

The lawsuit, filed by Status Coup and the L.A. Press Club, seeks to establish clearer protocols for press coverage during protests and ensure journalist safety while reporting on public demonstrations.

byAkira
August 6, 2025