Home » News » LA police filmed shooting woman point-blank with ‘less lethal’ round | Los Angeles Ice protests

LA police filmed shooting woman point-blank with ‘less lethal’ round | Los Angeles Ice protests

LAPD Faces Scrutiny After Shooting Woman Near Protests

Footage Reveals Close-Range Use of ‘Less Lethal’ Force

Disturbing video footage has emerged showing law enforcement officers in Los Angeles firing what appears to be non-lethal ammunition at a woman walking near recent demonstrations, sparking concerns about police tactics and the use of force during public unrest.

Incident Details Emerge

The video, captured by a bystander and widely circulated on social media, depicts a lone woman walking down a street when a line of officers instructs her to leave the area. Moments later, an officer appears to discharge a projectile at the woman, causing her to stumble backward. She is then heard stating, “I live here.”

A still image from the video shows the moment an officer appears to fire at the woman.

The woman who recorded the incident rushed to assist the victim, helping her sit down while officers continued to issue commands. The videographer is heard exclaiming, “They literally just shot her point-blank.”

‘Less Lethal’ Munitions and Their Risks

Law enforcement in Los Angeles have deployed a range of crowd control measures during the ongoing protests, including flashbangs, tear gas, and rubber bullets. While often described as “less lethal”, these munitions carry significant risks. According to a 2023 report by the National Institute of Justice, approximately 3% of individuals struck by impact munitions experience serious injuries requiring hospitalization. National Institute of Justice Report

The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident as of Wednesday morning.

Recent Incidents Highlight Concerns

This incident follows a separate event on Sunday in which **Lauren Tomasi**, an Australian journalist with Nine News, was struck in the leg by a rubber bullet while reporting live from the protests. Nine News stated that **Tomasi** and her camera operator were unharmed and continued their coverage. The network emphasized the dangers faced by journalists covering demonstrations.

LA police filmed shooting woman point-blank with ‘less lethal’ round | Los Angeles Ice protests
The street where the woman was shot, during ongoing protests in Los Angeles.

The use of these munitions has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and medical professionals, who point to documented cases of severe injuries, including eye damage and permanent disability. The ongoing protests in Los Angeles stem from demonstrations against federal immigration policies.

The situation remains fluid, and further investigation is needed to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and the appropriate response from law enforcement.

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