Reporter shot live on TV by police at ICE protests speaks out with important message

A broadcast journalist who was shot by police while live reporting a protest in Los Angeles over the weekend has spoken out.

9News correspondent Lauren Tomasi was filming a piece-to-camera on Monday (9 Jan) during a mass campaign against Donald Trump's controversial new deportation plan, with violent clashes between law enforcement and protesters erupting.

During his inaugural speech back in January, the 78-year-old vowed to launch the 'biggest deportation operation' in US history, as part of a 'complete restoration of America'.

Following through on his promise, within the last week, Trump has announced that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will no longer permit citizens from a vast plethora of counties residence in the States - here's the full list of disallowed countries.

The Republican leader also revealed recently that the White House would be upping its goal for ICE officials to make at least 3,000 arrests per day, with workplaces, shops and hospitality venues having since been raided for individuals that have outstayed their visa limit.

In response, thousands took to the streets of Los Angeles to join in a mass protest over Trump's policies - a campaign that news reporter Tomasi attended.

Tragically for the journalist, however, she became caught up in the crossfire, and was shot at by police officers during a live broadcast. Tomasi sustained an injury after a rubber bullet was fired into her leg - an incident which spectators watched unfold before their eyes.

The reporter has since issued an update on her wellbeing, sharing an update on social media.

"Hey there. Thanks for all your messages - I'm a bit sore, but I'm okay," Tomasi began.

Tomasi was shot during the protests (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

She went on to add a video and a link to her live news coverage, writing: "Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told.

"Here's our report on what unfolded in Los Angeles."

After news of her injury first hit headlines, 9News said in a statement: "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."

As chaos continues to erupt on the streets of LA, Trump has announced that he will be deploying 2,000 more National Guard troops as well as extra active-duty US Marines into the area.

However, the move has been met with widespread backlash, with California Governor Gavin Newsom warning that US Marines 'shouldn't be deployed on American soil facing their own countrymen to fulfill the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial President. This is un-American'.

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