Shocking Moment Caught on Live TV: Reporter Shot by Police While Covering LA Riots
In a deeply unsettling moment that has since gone viral, a television reporter was shot by police with non-lethal ammunition while covering the escalating riots in Los Angeles. The incident, captured live on camera, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over press freedom, the use of force by law enforcement, and the dangerous realities journalists face while reporting from protest zones.
The Incident
The reporter, identified as Amelia Brace, a correspondent for Australia’s Channel 9 News, was broadcasting live from the chaotic streets of downtown Los Angeles during the height of the George Floyd protests in 2020. Amid mounting tension and clashes between police and protesters, Brace and her cameraman were reporting near the front lines when officers began advancing on the crowd.
Without warning, footage shows police turning their attention toward the media crew. Despite clearly identifying themselves as members of the press—with microphones, cameras, and press credentials visible—Brace was struck by a rubber bullet or similar projectile. Moments later, her cameraman was also hit and shoved by an officer wielding a baton. The broadcast cut away as the pair tried to escape the onslaught.
Public Reaction
The footage quickly spread across social media and global news outlets, provoking international condemnation. Journalists, advocacy groups, and politicians alike decried the apparent targeting of the press.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a strong statement, saying:
“Journalists must be able to cover protests without fear of injury or intimidation. Targeting members of the press is a direct attack on the freedom of the press and democratic transparency.”
In Australia, the event drew the attention of national leaders. Then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison formally requested an investigation into the incident, stating that it was “completely unacceptable” for Australian journalists to be attacked while lawfully performing their duties in another democratic country.
Context: Riots and Law Enforcement Tactics
The LA riots were part of a larger wave of nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. While the vast majority of demonstrations were peaceful, pockets of violence and looting led to tense standoffs between police and protesters.
Law enforcement agencies deployed crowd control measures, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and baton charges. Numerous reports from journalists and observers accused officers of indiscriminately firing on peaceful protesters and press members, often without provocation.
By mid-2020, the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker had documented over 400 incidents of aggression against journalists, including assaults, arrests, and damage to equipment.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The incident involving Amelia Brace raises significant legal and ethical questions. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of the press, and numerous court rulings have upheld the right of journalists to cover public events—even riots or police actions—without interference.
If the use of force against Brace and her cameraman is deemed excessive or retaliatory, it could result in legal repercussions for the law enforcement agency involved. It also reignites the debate about the militarization of police forces and the boundaries of acceptable crowd control.
The Human Side of Reporting
For viewers, the video was a harsh reminder of the risks journalists take in the pursuit of truth. Brace, visibly shaken but composed, continued to report the situation after the attack. In later interviews, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support but emphasized that “the real story is what’s happening on the streets, not just to journalists, but to protesters and citizens trying to speak out.”
Her resilience became symbolic of the broader struggle for press freedom and truth in times of civil unrest.
Moving Forward
Since the incident, media organizations have called for clearer protocols between police and press during protests. Some police departments have initiated internal reviews and increased training on how to handle media presence during operations.
However, critics argue that without legal accountability and systemic reform, such incidents are likely to continue.
As the footage of Amelia Brace’s ordeal continues to circulate, it serves as a powerful testament to the risks of frontline journalism and a stark warning of what happens when press freedoms are compromised—even in countries that pride themselves on democratic values.
NOTE: This article is based on a real incident that occurred in 2020. If you’re seeking updates or developments on this case or others like it, consult recent reports from trusted news sources or press advocacy organizations.
