Jul 11, 2025 - Politics & Policy

LAPD can't detain, fire less lethal ammunition at journalists covering protests

Andrew Childers

LAPD officers arrest a demonstrator at the Metropolitan Detention Center during a July 4th protest agains immigration raids in Downtown Los Angeles. — LAPD officers arrest a demonstrator during a July 4th protest against immigration raids in downtown Los Angeles. Photo: Zin Chiang/picture alliance via Getty Images

The Los Angeles Police Department can't detain, remove or fire less lethal weapons or chemical agents at journalists covering protests in the city, a federal judge ordered.

Why it matters: The temporary restraining order is a victory for the Los Angeles Press Club, which had accused city police of using excessive force against journalists, including Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi who was shot with a rubber bullet during a live broadcast in what appeared to be a deliberate attack.

"On some occasions, LAPD officers purportedly targeted individuals who were clearly identifiable as members of the press," U.S. District Judge Hernán D. Vera wrote in the Thursday order.
The order is in effect for two weeks with the next hearing scheduled for July 24.
The LAPD didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Flashback: Los Angeles became the flashpoint in President Trump's campaign to deport undocumented immigrants, sparking similar demonstrations nationwide.

In Los Angeles, Trump took the unusual step of federalizing the California National Guard to contain the protests over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Trump also sent the Marines to support law enforcement in protecting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and federal buildings.

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LAPD can't detain, fire less lethal ammunition at journalists covering protests

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