An AFP photographer is recovering after being shot in the face and arm with rubber bullets by police while covering anti-Trump protests in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday. Clearly marked as press, the journalist said he was about 90 feet from officers when they suddenly moved in to disperse the crowd.
The LAPD confirmed using non-lethal force to clear protesters after declaring an unlawful assembly but did not directly address the journalist’s injury. The LA County Sheriff’s Department is reviewing footage and said it does not support targeting the press.
The protest was the largest since June 6, sparked by ICE raids on undocumented migrants. Though mostly peaceful, some protests have turned violent, prompting Trump to deploy troops—a move criticized by local leaders.
Other journalists were also hurt: a British photographer needed surgery, an Australian reporter was shot on-air, and a New York Post photographer was struck in the head.