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Violence against journalists covering the ongoing protests in Los Angeles is out of control. At least 40 attacks on journalists occurred in Los Angeles between June 6 and 12, and 35 were by members of law enforcement, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). RSF calls on California Attorney General Rob Bonta to file a civil lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order against state and local police departments from firing projectiles at members of the press. AG Bonta should also launch an investigation into police violence against journalists covering these protests.
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The protests began in Los Angeles on June 6 in response to raids on workplaces by federal authorities targeting immigrants. Police have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, and at times appear to be targeting members of the media. The victims span the media ecosystem, including journalists and media workers from legacy outlets, local TV, foreign correspondents, news crew security teams, and freelancers. President Donald Trump called up 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to assist local police, which critics say has added to the volatility of the situation.
“Violence against journalists covering the Los Angeles protests is out of control. Attorney General Rob Bonta needs to intervene now to get law enforcement officers to stop firing on reporters. And, with at least 35 attacks on journalists so far by different law enforcement agencies, his office needs to investigate the violence and seek accountability. This level of aggression against journalists in LA is totally unacceptable."
Clayton Weimers
Executive Director, RSF USA
According to California civil code, “the Attorney General, or any district attorney or city attorney may bring a civil action for injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief” against law enforcement for “attempts to interfere by threat, intimidation, or coercion” with the rights of journalists doing their jobs.
RSF has already joined other press freedom groups in sending a letter to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Sheriff Robert G. Luna urging their police forces to respect journalists while they are reporting. RSF joined a similar letter signed by press freedom groups addressed to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
The United States ranks 57th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index. It has dropped 12 places in the past five years, and seen an alarming uptick of press freedom violations since President Donald Trump took office for the second time in January 2025.
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REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS / REPORTERS SANS FRONTIÈRES (RSF)
Peter Jones
Press/Communications Officer, Washington, DC Bureau
pjones@rsf.org
(202) 813-9497, ext 3
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