A British photojournalist was injured while covering ongoing protests in Los Angeles after being struck in the face by what is believed to be a plastic bullet fired by law enforcement.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening as demonstrators clashed with police in downtown LA during a march over police accountability and civil rights. The journalist, identified as Thirty-two-year-old freelance photographer James Whitmore, was documenting the protest when he was hit near the eye by a crowd-control munition.
Eyewitnesses reported that Whitmore was clearly marked as press and wearing visible press credentials at the time of the incident. He was immediately assisted by medics on the scene and later transported to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery for facial injuries. His condition is reported to be stable.
The British Embassy in Washington has been informed, and UK consular officials are reportedly in contact with Whitmore and his family.
The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet issued a detailed statement but confirmed that it is reviewing body camera footage and operational procedures used during the protest. Press freedom groups have condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation into the use of force against clearly identified members of the media.
“This is a deeply troubling case and part of a disturbing pattern of violence against journalists covering protests,” said Carlos Martinez, director of the U.S. Press Freedom Coalition. “We demand accountability and safeguards to ensure reporters can safely do their jobs.”
Whitmore, known for his coverage of social justice movements in the U.S. and abroad, had been working on assignment for several European outlets at the time of the incident.
Legal observers and media watchdogs have raised concerns in recent years over the growing number of injuries sustained by journalists while covering public demonstrations in the U.S., prompting renewed calls for stronger protections and clearer guidelines for law enforcement engagement with the press.