John,
A democracy cannot survive without a free press -- and a free press cannot function under fire.
From June 6 to June 12, independent monitors documented over 40 violent incidents targeting journalists covering immigration raid protests in Los Angeles. These were not isolated events. A staggering 35 were committed by law enforcement officers themselves, disrespecting the need for the press to do their job without interference.
In one now-viral clip, Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi is clearly identified as press when a police officer takes aim and fires a rubber bullet directly at her. Her cry of pain cuts through the footage before it abruptly ends. Australia’s Prime Minister called the attack “horrific” and formally protested to President Trump, stating, “There was no ambiguity.”
Rubber bullets. Pepper balls. Tear gas. Physical obstruction. Journalists were attacked and pushed away from the story -- even as they displayed press credentials and made their role unmistakably clear.
Tell California Attorney General Rob Bonta to seek a restraining order and launch a full investigation into police violence against journalists.
This is not just police misconduct. It is a direct assault on the First Amendment, and a dangerous threat to democracy itself.
Independent reporting allows the public to witness history as it happens -- especially when that history is controversial, contested, or painful. When journalists are harassed, detained, arrested, or shot, that essential democratic function is silenced.
The threat is real. Footage from the same protest shows CNN’s Jason Carroll being led away by police on live television. Back on camera, he reports, “I am being detained,” as off-camera, an officer says, “You can’t come back. If you come back, you’ll be arrested.” This is not democracy in action -- it’s democracy in retreat.
We cannot allow intimidation to replace information. When the press is silenced, the public is left in the dark. And in that darkness, democracy cannot thrive.
Tell Attorney General Bonta: Protect the rights of journalists to bear witness -- safely, independently, and without fear of retribution.
Thank you for standing up for the Constitution, for accountability, and for the vital role of journalism in a free society.
- DFA AF Team
