A British news photographer, Nick Stern, has undergone emergency surgery after being struck by a non-lethal bullet while documenting the ongoing protests in Los Angeles. The protests, which erupted in response to immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have been ongoing for several days. Stern, who was covering the protest on Sunday, June 8, 2025, when the incident occurred, was hit by a “plastic bullet” while standing in the middle of the road photographing the demonstrators. His injury has highlighted the risks faced by journalists on the frontlines of protests, and it underscores the dangerous realities of reporting in volatile situations.
Stern, originally from Hertfordshire, England, had relocated to the United States in 2007 to pursue his career as a photographer. He is well-known for his coverage of protests and civil unrest around the world. On the night of the incident, Stern was covering the protests against ICE, which were sparked by the Trump administration’s controversial immigration raids. These raids have seen a sharp increase in arrests of undocumented immigrants, and the presence of ICE officers in communities across California has sparked mass demonstrations in response.
The protests on Sunday took place outside a Home Depot store in Paramount, a city just south of Los Angeles. As tensions between protesters and law enforcement grew, Stern, who had been standing in the middle of the road taking photographs, was struck by a “three-inch plastic bullet” that tore into his thigh. According to Stern, the pain was immediate and excruciating. “There was something hard sticking out of the back of my leg and my leg was getting wet from blood,” Stern told the BBC. Despite the pain, Stern tried to hobble away from the area but quickly realized he could not put weight on his leg.
At that point, Stern was helped by a group of protesters who rushed to his aid. “Up to eight protesters rushed up to me to carry me away from the danger area,” Stern recounted. A medic who was nearby quickly sprang into action, cutting off Stern’s trousers, applying a pressure pad to the wound, and tying a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding. Stern was then rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery at Long Beach Memorial Medical Centre to remove the bullet from his leg.
The non-lethal bullet that struck Stern was a part of the law enforcement’s attempt to control the growing unrest among protesters. Non-lethal weapons, such as rubber bullets and plastic bullets, are often used by police to disperse crowds and prevent further escalation. However, these weapons are not without risk. Stern’s injury highlights the potential dangers faced by both protestors and journalists caught in the crossfire of tense demonstrations.
Stern, who has spent years covering protests and riots, including the 2020 protests in response to the death of George Floyd, said that despite the injury, he was eager to return to work. “I intend, as soon as I am well enough, to get back out there. This is too important and it needs documenting,” Stern said. He has a long history of covering protests around the world, and his dedication to documenting critical events has made him a well-respected figure in the world of photojournalism. His resilience and determination to continue reporting, even after sustaining an injury, are indicative of his commitment to the craft and to bearing witness to important social movements.
The incident also highlights the risks that journalists face in increasingly volatile environments. As protests over social issues, such as immigration reform, racial injustice, and police brutality, continue to unfold, reporters and photographers often find themselves on the front lines, capturing images of civil unrest, police action, and the emotional stories of the people involved. In Stern’s case, his injury serves as a reminder of the physical dangers journalists face while covering these events. The presence of non-lethal rounds, tear gas, and other crowd-control measures by law enforcement makes it a particularly hazardous environment for reporters and photographers, who are often caught in the middle of the confrontation.
In a separate incident, Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was also struck by a non-lethal round while filming a piece to camera in Los Angeles for 9 News. Tomasi’s injury, like Stern’s, underscores the vulnerability of journalists working in high-stakes environments. Such incidents raise serious questions about the use of force against members of the press, whose role is to provide coverage of public events and give voice to the issues being raised. Both Tomasi and Stern’s injuries come amid increasing scrutiny over police tactics in handling public protests and the safety of journalists.
Stern’s injury occurred amidst a growing tide of protests in Los Angeles and across the country, triggered by President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration and the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement. Since returning to the White House, Trump has promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, and his administration has ramped up ICE raids and arrests. This aggressive approach to immigration enforcement has fueled widespread protests, especially in immigrant communities in California. The protests have been met with heightened police presence and, at times, the use of force to disperse crowds.
In response to the unrest, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to California, in an effort to assist ICE and local law enforcement in dealing with the protests. Trump has insisted that the federal government will “step in and solve the problem,” referring to the protests as unlawful assemblies. However, the Democratic governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has called for the National Guard units to be withdrawn, accusing the federal government of inflaming tensions in the state.
Stern’s experience and the broader issue of press safety amid protest coverage have drawn attention to the challenges journalists face in reporting on civil unrest. The presence of non-lethal weapons and the increasingly militarized approach by police forces have made it more difficult for reporters to do their jobs safely. Stern, however, has made it clear that despite the injury, he remains committed to documenting the ongoing protests and issues surrounding immigration. His determination reflects the core principle of journalism: to bear witness to important events, no matter the personal risk.
As of now, Stern is recovering from his surgery, and his family and colleagues are hopeful for a full recovery. The incident has sparked a conversation about the safety of journalists and the need for protections to ensure their ability to report freely and safely, particularly in politically charged and potentially violent environments. Stern’s situation has become a symbol of the risks faced by journalists who are on the ground during volatile protests and civil unrest, highlighting the need for continued efforts to protect the rights of the press.
In conclusion, the shooting of Nick Stern while covering the protests in Los Angeles serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that journalists face when reporting on contentious social issues. His resilience in the face of injury and his unwavering dedication to the truth exemplify the vital role that journalists play in documenting critical moments in history. While the incident has raised questions about police tactics and press safety, it has also highlighted the importance of continuing to report on these events, no matter the risks. Stern’s story is a testament to the courage and commitment of journalists around the world, who put themselves in harm’s way to bring vital information to the public.
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