British Photographer Injured by Plastic Bullet in LA Protests
The recent protests in Los Angeles have taken a turn for the worse, with several journalists and protesters getting injured in the clashes between the two. The latest incident involves a British photographer, Nick Stern, who was hit by a non-lethal plastic bullet while documenting the chaos.
According to reports, Stern was covering the protests near the LA Police Department headquarters when he was struck by the bullet. The three-inch projectile tore into his thigh, causing significant injury. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery to repair the damage.
This is not the first instance of a journalist getting injured while covering the protests. Earlier, Australian TV reporter Lauren Tomasi was shot with a rubber bullet by a police officer while covering the riots. The officer, who has been identified as Officer John Maguire, was placed on paid leave pending an investigation into the incident.
The protests in LA have been ongoing for several days, with demonstrators demanding justice for George Floyd, an African American man who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the United States, with many calling for police reform and an end to systemic racism.
The incident involving Stern highlights the dangers that journalists face while covering such events. As independent observers, journalists play a crucial role in documenting the truth and holding those in power accountable. However, they are often put in harm’s way, with little protection or support from authorities.
Stern’s injury is a stark reminder of the risks that journalists take every day to bring us the news. As a photographer, he was simply doing his job, capturing images of the protests and the chaos that ensued. He did not deserve to be injured, and his actions should not have put him in harm’s way.
The incident also raises questions about the use of non-lethal weapons by law enforcement. While plastic bullets are designed to be less deadly than traditional bullets, they can still cause significant harm and even fatalities. The fact that Stern’s thigh was torn open by the bullet shows just how dangerous these weapons can be.
In a statement, the LA Police Department said that they were investigating the incident and would take appropriate action against the officer involved. However, many are calling for a more thorough investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.
The incident involving Stern and Tomasi is a sobering reminder of the risks that journalists face while covering protests and conflicts. It is crucial that authorities take steps to protect journalists and ensure that they can do their job without fear of harm.
In the meantime, our thoughts are with Nick Stern and Lauren Tomasi, and we hope for their speedy recovery. We also urge authorities to take a closer look at the use of non-lethal weapons and to ensure that journalists are protected while doing their job.
