Los Angeles, July 11, 2025 – U.S. District Judge Hernán D. Vera has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) barring the Los Angeles Police Department from using rubber projectiles, flash‑bang grenades, tear gas, chemical irritants or any “less‑lethal” weapons against journalists covering protests—unless a reporter poses an imminent threat to officer safety or another person.
The emergency 14‑day TRO comes amid a suit filed by the Los Angeles Press Club and investigative platform Status Coup, which documented dozens of incidents in which officers targeted clearly identified journalists. One high‑profile case involved an Australian reporter, Lauren Tomasi, who was struck in the leg by a rubber bullet during a live broadcast—despite being several dozen feet from any demonstrators. Videotape showed the officer deliberately aiming at her, prompting Judge Vera to stress that press freedom must be upheld.
The TRO also prohibits officers from detaining, removing, or obstructing journalists in closed protest zones. It specifically bars targeting reporters unless they are presenting an “immediate threat” with 40‑mm rounds—aligning force with constitutional protections.
Judge Vera noted the documented pattern of misconduct poses a “high likelihood of repeated harm,” justifying the swift court intervention.
An LAPD official stated the department trains personnel to respect journalists and would comply with the order, while Chief Jim McDonnell said each instance would be thoroughly investigated.
The TRO will remain in effect until July 24, when a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled. Until then, press advocates are hailing the order as a “critical victory” for First Amendment protections during escalating immigration‑related protests that have enveloped downtown Los Angeles following federal ICE raids and National Guard deployment.
