An alarming video captured a police sniper perched atop the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building as law enforcement confronted anti‑ICE demonstrators in downtown Los Angeles—raising urgent questions about the militarization of crowd control and the safety of civilians and journalists alike.
At a Glance
- Video footage shows an armed police sniper scanning the crowd from a Federal Building rooftop
- Large LAPD presence declared the protest an “unlawful assembly” and unleashed rubber bullets, flash-bang rounds, and tear gas
- Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi was struck live on camera—a rubber bullet hit her calf—and a British photographer was wounded
- The sniper deployment has drawn sharp criticism from media advocates, human rights groups, and Australian officials
- Questions now center on LAPD policy: when and why are snipers used over crowd dispersal?
Sniper Positioned Over Demonstrators
Reuters images show the sniper team clearly visible on the rooftop during protests outside the federal ICE building. The officer is seen holding a scoped rifle, aiming over a densely packed crowd that included journalists and peaceful protesters, according to Reuters. This elevated presence marks a notable escalation from traditional crowd-control tactics.
Watch a report: Sniper Overlooks Anti‑ICE Protest in Los Angeles.
Escalation Amid Forceful Crowd Control
Authorities declared the gathering unlawful and deployed rubber bullets, flash-bang concussion rounds, and tear gas to disperse the crowd, as reported by The Guardian. Video captured the moment when an officer fired on Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi, hitting her calf during a live broadcast. British photographer Nick Stern also required surgery after being struck by nonlethal rounds.
Alarm Raised by Media and Diplomats
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has demanded explanations, and media organizations are calling for a full investigation, noting about 20 journalists were injured during the protests, according to BBC News. Observers argue deploying snipers for civilian demonstrations risks chilling free press and civil liberties under the guise of security.
Why It Matters
The visible presence of a sniper during what was largely a peaceful demonstration underscores a dramatic shift in American protest policing tactics. Critics warn such deployments risk normalizing extreme security measures that may escalate tensions and deter constitutional rights. LAPD officials have yet to clarify their sniper-use policy, but scrutiny is growing—and the fallout could shape future protest responses nationwide.
The combined reports from Reuters, The Guardian, and BBC News confirm that the officer was visibly positioned above the protest. With diplomatic pressure and press freedom concerns mounting, calls for transparency and accountability around the LAPD’s protest response are only growing louder.
