Photographer Hit with High-Velocity ‘Sponge Bullet’ While Covering LA Protests
A British photographer was struck by a 14mm high-velocity "sponge bullet" in his thigh while covering a tense stand-off between protestors and law enforcement in Los Angeles on Saturday evening. Nick Stern, 60, told The Times of London that he was making a point of being visible as a member of the media, wearing a press ID around his neck and carrying a large video camera.
According to Stern, he arrived on the scene after hearing reports of federal agents carrying out immigration enforcement operations in the city’s Paramount area. "I thought by the time I get down there it’ll be over…but as the day went on things seemed to escalate," he said. As he began to capture images, Stern witnessed a car on fire, as well as a Black Hawk helicopter "dropping off ammo for ICE, boxes and boxes of it." He also observed police officers armed with "less-lethal weapons," including flash-bangs and sponge rounds designed to deliver a painful blow.
The incident occurred at around 9 p.m. local time (midnight E.T.), when Stern was taking pictures of two young women standing a few feet away with their backs to him, waving a Mexican flag towards a line of sheriff’s deputies. Suddenly, he felt "horrific shooting pain impacting my leg" before blacking out. "They’re supposed to shoot the ground in front of people, not target individuals — but this hit me directly," Stern said, adding, "I can’t explain why they even fired."
Stern was taken to hospital shortly after, where he underwent scans and X-rays before surgery. He told The Times of London that he feared for his safety and the safety of others, particularly after President Trump deployed the National Guard around the city. "I feel it’s going to get worse before it gets better … I wouldn’t be surprised if they start firing live rounds over people’s heads next," he said.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was contacted for comment on the incident, but has not responded publicly. According to NBC News, who first reported on the incident, Stern’s experience highlights the increasingly volatile situation in Los Angeles, where protests have erupted in response to immigration raids.
The use of "less-lethal" weapons by law enforcement has sparked concerns about the potential for harm to innocent bystanders, including journalists and photographers. As Stern noted, "I was making a point of making myself visible as media" — yet he was still struck by a sponge bullet. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists and photographers covering protests and demonstrations.
Stern, who emigrated to the U.S. 18 years ago from Hertford, United Kingdom, has been left to pick up the pieces after a painful and potentially traumatic experience. As the situation in Los Angeles continues to unfold, one thing is certain — the role of journalists and photographers in bringing attention to these important issues will remain crucial. According to NBC News, the city remains on edge, with many residents bracing for further unrest in the days ahead.
