Journalists Injured as Protests Intensify in Los Angeles
Violence Against Journalists
An Australian journalist, Lauren Tomasi, suffered an injury from a rubber bullet while reporting live on protests in Los Angeles. She was covering demonstrations against the Trump administration’s mass deportation policy. An LAPD officer appeared to target her directly.
A British photojournalist, Nick Stern, was also hit by “non-lethal” ammunition. He required emergency surgery.
Los Angeles Protests Turn Volatile
The protests in Los Angeles have grown increasingly tense. They began as peaceful demonstrations against ICE raids and arrests. President Donald Trump labeled these protests “a form of rebellion” and deployed the National Guard.
National Guard Deployment: A Historical Perspective
This is not the first time the National Guard has been used to control protests in the US. Notable instances include:
- 1970: Four students were shot and killed at Kent State University.
- 1992: Deployment during the LA protests following the Rodney King verdict.
Trump’s Rhetoric and Actions
President Trump has frequently discussed using force against his own citizens. During the Black Lives Matter protests, he reportedly asked, “Can’t you just shoot them in the legs or something?”
Trump has also:
- Labeled his opponents as “un-American”.
- Used harsh language to describe them.
- Spread false information about “sanctuary cities” like Los Angeles, calling them lawless and overrun by immigrants.
Opposition to Trump’s Policies
Strong opposition to Trump’s policies has emerged in the very places he criticizes. Recent protests have focused on ICE agents’ actions, including:
- Detaining people without clear reasons.
- Targeting US citizens and children.
As one writer noted, “the cruelty is the point.” The Trump administration’s deportation program is deliberately harsh, and protests were inevitable.
Manufactured Crises
In a democracy, peaceful protests are not a crisis. However, Trump and his supporters have a history of creating crises. For instance:
- White House official Stephen Miller called the protests “an insurrection.”
- Trump himself has used similar language.
The presidential memo deploying the National Guard does not specify the location of the protests. This suggests the administration may be planning further escalation.
An Assault on Democracy
This deployment comes at a critical time for US democracy. Trump’s attacks on independent media and institutions are escalating. His administration is targeting:
- Universities
- Judges
- The rights of minority groups
Trump is currently unconstrained. When asked about deploying the Marines against protesters, he said, “the bar is what I think it is.”
As one columnist observed, “We should treat Trump and his openly authoritarian administration as a failure of our Constitution.”
The situation in Los Angeles is unpredictable. However, it must be understood in the broader context of the threat the Trump administration poses to the US. American democracy is at a critical juncture.
