A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order that stops reporters from being targeted with rubber projectiles and other forms of less lethal ammunition during protests against Trump’s immigration policies.
In a ruling released on Friday, US District Judge Hernan D. Bella noted that a coalition of organizations advocating for reporters’ rights argued for the injunction to safeguard journalists and the exercise of the First Amendment during these protests.
The Los Angeles Press Club and the Investigation Report Network Status Coup initiated a lawsuit last month to compel the LAPD to adhere to the constitutional protections afforded to journalists covering these protests. The lawsuit pointed out ongoing abuses by police against media members covering such events.
The judge’s orders specifically ban the use of less lethal ammunition and crowd control methods against journalists “who do not pose any threat,” including the use of chemical agents and flashbangs.
Judge Bella highlighted an incident from June 8 in which an Australian reporter, Lauren Tomasi, was targeted by LAPD officers despite being clearly identified as a member of the media and several feet away from the crowd.
“There are no protesters near her,” the judge wrote. “Nonetheless, LAPD officers seemed to aim at Tomasi and fired a rubber bullet.”
The ruling establishes that the LAPD cannot prevent journalists from accessing or remaining in protest zones while they gather information. It also prohibits any intentional actions to “assault, interfere, or obstruct journalists” engaged in their reporting.
Advocates for press freedom, who were involved in the lawsuit, applauded the ruling. Attorney Carol Sobel remarked, “The press did not accidentally get hurt during the immigrant protests. They were intentionally harmed.” She expressed disbelief at the LAPD’s multiple targeting incidents.
City attorneys may contest the ruling in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated he is “very concerned” about the cases of journalists being targeted and promised that thorough investigations would take place, insisting that it wasn’t an intention to hit reporters with less lethal weapons.
“It’s a target-specific munition,” he mentioned during a press conference. “That doesn’t guarantee you’re always hitting your intended target, especially in fast-moving situations.”
According to the judge’s order, if LAPD detains or arrests someone claiming to be a journalist, that person can reach out to a supervisor to challenge their detention. Additionally, there is a requirement for the LAPD to inform the court about officers who have been briefed on these new rules. A provisional injunction hearing has been scheduled for July 24, where both sides will present their arguments regarding the lawsuit.
The lawsuit contends that the LAPD is disregarding laws that were established in response to the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s murder when journalists faced detentions and injuries while covering the unrest.
In addition to journalists, many protesters have reported severe bruises and injuries from the LAPD’s projectiles.
Under the restrictions imposed by the judge, police can only use such munitions if they reasonably believe a suspect is resisting violent arrest or poses an imminent threat. Targeting individuals in the head, torso, and groin areas is explicitly prohibited.
