The Los Angeles Press Club has filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and Police Chief Jim McDonnell, alleging that police officers used excessive force against journalists covering protests over immigration raids. The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal district court, claims that the actions of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) violated journalists’ First Amendment rights.
According to the Washington Post, the lawsuit describes journalism in Los Angeles as a “dangerous profession” due to the alleged use of less-lethal ammunition by police. The complaint, supported by the First Amendment Coalition and the independent media outlet Status Coup, accuses LAPD officers of intentionally targeting journalists to prevent public scrutiny of police conduct.
The USA Today reports that the Los Angeles Press Club documented at least 30 cases of journalists being injured while covering the protests, with some incidents caught on camera. Notable cases include New York Post photographer Toby Canham being shot with a rubber bullet and Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi being hit in the leg.
The protests began on June 6 in response to immigration raids, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines to the city. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal response, calling it a “blatant abuse of power,” and the state has filed a lawsuit against the administration.
Press advocates argue that the LAPD’s actions have created a chilling effect, deterring journalists from covering the protests. The Los Angeles Press Club is compiling a database of incidents involving journalists and law enforcement to support their case. The LAPD has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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