Veteran photographer struck by rubber bullet amidst Los Angeles unrest

A New York Post photographer was struck in the head by a rubber bullet fired by California Highway Patrol (CHP) during violent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, capturing the shocking incident on his own camera.

Toby Canham, 59, on assignment for The Post and positioned on an elevated platform near the 101 Freeway, was filming clashes between law enforcement and rioters when a CHP officer, approximately 100 yards away, aimed and fired, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Canham, wearing his press pass, was hit in the forehead and immediately fell, as documented by his footage.

The veteran photographer, an LA resident and British Army veteran, spent June 9 hospitalized for whiplash and neck pain, left with a significant bruise. “When I got whacked, to my best recollection it was just me filming with my cameras on and then I got shot,” said Canham. He added, “Where I was hit, I was the only person overlooking the freeway. I wasn’t surrounded so I was an easy target.” Prior to being hit, a flashbang exploded nearby, shredding his pants, and he began recording after seeing someone throw a water bottle at authorities.

Canham's injury occurred on the same day an Australian reporter was also shot with a rubber bullet while reporting live.

The unrest, fueled by actions against undocumented migrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has seen violent clashes. On June 8, thousands of anti-ICE protesters occupied a major downtown Los Angeles highway, with rioters setting self-driving cars ablaze in a surreal scene before CHP forced them onto an exit ramp. Rioters have thrown various items, including water bottles and rocks, at law enforcement.

Canham expressed his frustration: “It’s a real shame. I completely understand being in the position where you could get injured, but at the same time, there was no justification for even aiming the rifle at me and pulling the trigger,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for more severe injury.

CHP and the Los Angeles mayor’s office did not immediately comment, while LAPD stated, “There is no comment, the incident needs to be investigated.” Governor Gavin Newsom’s office also declined comment, referring inquiries to law enforcement. The escalating volatility has prompted US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to order 700 Marines to Los Angeles, reinforcing 300 National Guard troops and local authorities.

By Vafa Guliyeva