The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), alongside over two dozen press freedom and civil liberties groups, has condemned the dangerous and indiscriminate targeting of journalists covering recent immigration-related protests in Los Angeles.
In a joint letter sent this week to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the organizations criticized federal law enforcement’s treatment of journalists during protests linked to immigration raids.
The letter cites multiple reports of federal officers using excessive force, including tear gas and pepper balls, causing significant injuries to journalists. It notes instances where journalists, simply doing their jobs, appeared to be deliberately targeted. A similar letter addressing alleged targeting by local police is expected to be sent to Los Angeles-area police departments.
RTDNA Advocacy Advisory Council member Adam Rose, also the Press Rights Chair at the Los Angeles Press Club, has been documenting these incidents, with reports available on his BlueSky page.
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| Toby Canham |
Some of the incidents have resulted in injuries.
Lauren Tomasi, U.S. correspondent for 9News Australia, was hit by a projectile while reporting live in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday. Tomasi had her back to police and was speaking into the camera when an officer pointed a weapon toward her and fired it, according to a video of the incident.
Toby Canham, a freelance photographer working for the New York Post, said he was struck by a projectile on Sunday, resulting in a bruised forehead. In an interview he said the projectile, which was "hard and rubbery," knocked him to the ground. The Post published an image shot by Canham showing a law enforcement official that he said had fired at him from about 100 yards away.
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