A British photographer who was covering a protest in Los Angeles was injured after being hit by a “plastic bullet” that was reportedly fired by the police.
The event took place during demonstrations that were called by a local matter that was quite controversial. However, the reason for the protest remains unclear.
The photographer, who remains unknown, was carrying out the documentation of the unrest at the time when the projectile hit them. Plastic bullets—also known as “less-lethal” rounds—are made to repel crowds, but they can still cause serious injuries such as fractures and internal damage.
The eyewitnesses who were present at the scene of the incident stated that the law enforcement officers were not targeted in using the projectiles and therefore they raised the issue of excessive force being employed.
The officials have not given any statement on the case so far, but they insist that they only use such methods in order to ensure the safety of the public during the volatile situation.
The British Foreign Office has been contacted in order to assist, but it is not known if the photographer needed medical care.
The situation has now become a trend whereby journalists have become the most vulnerable while covering protests all over the world.
Several organizations working for the freedom of the press have condemned the targeting of media representatives during the time of the protests.
