Protester fears blindness after being shot in the eye with rubber bullet

In the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, significant protests erupted in early June 2025. These demonstrations were largely against the policies of President Donald Trump, especially focusing on immigration practices by the government. On Saturday, during a 'No Kings' demonstration, tensions escalated when some demonstrators began throwing projectiles at law enforcement officials. This prompted a violent response from police, who deployed rubber bullets to disperse the protestors. Among those injured was Marshall Woodruff, who was shot in the eye by a rubber bullet fired by police. The incident occurred during a peaceful rally that turned chaotic as the police moved aggressively against the crowd. Woodruff underwent extensive surgery to address his injury, expressing concerns about potentially losing sight in one eye. He described the sudden impact as shocking and highlighted the chaos that ensued following a previously peaceful atmosphere during the demonstration. Other protestors assisted him to safety as tensions rose and law enforcement began to clear the area. The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement claiming they used less-lethal munitions to disperse the crowd only after declaring an unlawful assembly. The police did not officially acknowledge targeting the press or specific protestors, and they stated that their use of force was a necessary response to escalating violence. There were also reports of injuries to other journalists covering the protests, including an incident where a British photographer required emergency surgery after being struck by a non-lethal round. An Australian reporter was also hit during a live broadcast, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in such scenarios. Currently, the protests, which began on June 6, 2025, have continued almost daily, ignited by broader issues regarding ICE raids and the treatment of undocumented migrants, particularly within the heavily Latino city of Los Angeles. The public's sentiment has been divided, with some local officials seeing the protests as largely peaceful, while others have voiced concerns regarding police conduct and the resultant violence. Calls for community support and unity have emerged from within the protesting groups, advocating for peaceful resistance against divisive governmental policies. Yet, this situation remains complex, as the responses from both law enforcement and protesters could ignite further conflict as demonstrations continue in the coming days.