Background on the Photographer and the Protest
An AFP photographer, who wishes to remain anonymous, is recovering after being struck by rubber bullets fired by law enforcement during a protest against President Donald Trump in Los Angeles.
On Saturday, the photographer was covering the “No Kings” demonstration in California’s sprawling metropolis when the peaceful protest escalated, prompting law enforcement to intervene and disperse the crowd.
Details of the Incident
The photographer, who was approximately 30 meters away from the police, sustained injuries to his face and right arm after being hit by rubber bullets. He was clearly identified as a member of the press, working with two cameras, a helmet adorned with AFP stickers, and a large press badge on his chest.
Authorities have not explained how a member of the press could have been targeted by their non-lethal projectiles.
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) informed AFP that they had issued a dispersal order after their personnel was attacked with rocks and bottles by some individuals.
“Non-lethal munitions were used to clear individuals who refused to comply and leave the area,” LAPD added.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD), which also patrolled the protest, stated they were still reviewing video footage of the incident and that it was “unclear” if their personnel was involved.
“The LASD does not condone any action that intentionally targets members of the press,” they emphasized.
Context and Impact of the Protests
The “No Kings” movement gathered hundreds of thousands of people across the United States on Saturday, including several thousand in Los Angeles.
Daily protests against Trump’s immigration policies have been taking place in Los Angeles since June 6. While most demonstrations remain peaceful and concentrated in a small area, some have turned violent.
- Protest Context: The “No Kings” movement is a nationwide demonstration against perceived authoritarian tendencies in the U.S. government, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and recent incidents of police brutality.
- Los Angeles Protests: Since June 6, daily protests have been held in Los Angeles against President Trump’s immigration policies. These demonstrations aim to raise awareness about the separation of families and the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
- Media Injuries: Several journalists have been injured while covering the Los Angeles protests. A British photographer required surgery after being struck by a non-lethal projectile on June 7. Australian reporter was hit by a rubber bullet in the leg while reporting live on television on June 8. The New York Post’s photographer also reported being shot in the head with a rubber bullet during the clashes.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was injured? An AFP photographer covering a protest in Los Angeles.
- What caused the injuries? The photographer was struck by rubber bullets fired by law enforcement.
- What was the protest about? The “No Kings” movement, which opposes perceived authoritarian tendencies in the U.S. government and demands comprehensive immigration reform.
- How did law enforcement respond? LAPD issued a dispersal order after their personnel was attacked with rocks and bottles. Both LAPD and LASD used non-lethal projectiles to disperse the crowd.
- How many journalists have been injured? Multiple journalists, including photographers from the UK, Australia, and the U.S., have been injured while covering the Los Angeles protests.
