Reporter who was shot on live TV by police at ICE protests defended amid major debate

A reporter who was shot at during protests in Los Angeles has been defended, as some suggest she was standing 'in the way' of the riot.

The US correspondent for 9News, Lauren Tomasi, was caught up in the LA protests against Donald Trump's mass deportation plan.

The 78-year-old Republican aims to launch the 'biggest deportation operation' in US history.

In June, the White House increased its goal for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to make at least 3,000 arrests per day.

Authorities have so far raised workplaces, restaurants, and retail shops to find illegal immigrants.

One of which was famous TikToker Khaby Lame, who has over 162 million followers on the platform.

Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi, who was reporting in and amongst the protests, was shot in the leg with a rubber bullet fired by a police officer. Take a look at the moment below:

It happened on the third day of the chaotic protests, as Trump ordered that 2,000 National Guard troops were to be deployed into the city - against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Tomasi was left in pain but unharmed, and people online have come to her defence, after some claim she was stood in a dangerous zone.

"Maybe don’t stand in the middle of a riot,' one user wrote on Twitter, while another said: "That’s what happens when you stand in the line of fire, you would think a reporter would know that."

"She chose a poor place to stand," a third noted.

But others have spoken out to defend the reporter.

In response to: "Not defending the US but she didn't have a 'press vest' on," one person added: "Maybe the massive mic with channel 9 on it..and her cameraman could have been a hint?

The riots began as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made a number of raids in Los Angeles (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

"hy would you have to wear a vest? Are U.S. police that stupid? Seems like it."

Another added: "Nine News reporter shot with rubber bullet in LA. That camera is the most dangerous thing they know. Such brave men shooting at the unarmed woman! Trump's America is so embarrassing."

As one user said: "Even if she was a protestor she didn’t deserve to be shot by simply standing there."

In a statement, 9News said: "Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet. Lauren and her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these events.

"This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information."