On June 16, 2025, the Los Angeles Press Club, along with media outlet Status Coup, filed a significant federal lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), citing severe mistreatment and targeted harassment of journalists covering anti-ICE protests across Los Angeles.
The lawsuit highlights several troubling incidents, including:
- The deliberate shooting of Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi with a rubber bullet while filming live.
- Temporary detention of CNN reporter Jason Carroll, who was clearly identifiable as press.
According to the complaint, these actions by LAPD officers violate fundamental constitutional rights, specifically First Amendment guarantees of press freedom, and Fourteenth Amendment protections ensuring equal treatment under the law.
The lawsuit seeks immediate injunctive relief to stop further police misconduct, as well as acknowledgment from the court that LAPD policies or practices led to unlawful treatment of reporters.
A representative from Status Coup stated clearly:
“Journalists should never become targets simply because they are documenting events that may embarrass or challenge authorities.”
The legal filing underscores growing concerns about police accountability, highlighting the broader implications for journalists across the country. As the case progresses, media organizations nationwide are closely watching the outcome.’
The action ultimately aims to set clearer standards and safeguards ensuring reporters can perform their crucial role without fearing violence or intimidation from law enforcement.
