Fact Check: "Freelance photographer Michael Nigro reported being struck in the helmet by a non-lethal bullet fired by a Los Angeles Police Department officer during an anti-ICE rally on October 2, 2023."
What We Know
On October 2, 2023, during an anti-ICE rally in Los Angeles, freelance photographer Michael Nigro reported that he was struck in the helmet by a non-lethal bullet fired by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer. Nigro stated that the impact felt "very intentional," suggesting an effort to intimidate journalists from documenting the events occurring at the protest (source-1). His helmet bore a visible mark from the projectile, indicating that he was indeed hit (source-2).
The incident is part of a broader pattern of reported aggression by law enforcement towards journalists covering protests in Los Angeles, with claims that officers have targeted media personnel to deter them from reporting (source-1).
Analysis
The claim regarding Michael Nigro being struck by a non-lethal bullet is corroborated by multiple credible sources. NPR reported on the incident, detailing Nigro's experience and the context of increasing tensions between law enforcement and journalists during protests against ICE raids (source-1). Additionally, a report from MPR News confirmed that Nigro was indeed hit and highlighted the growing concern among press advocates regarding the treatment of journalists at such events (source-3).
The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in journalism. NPR and MPR News are well-regarded news organizations known for their investigative reporting and adherence to journalistic standards. The reports also reflect a consistent narrative from various journalists who have experienced similar incidents, suggesting a systemic issue rather than an isolated occurrence.
However, it is important to note that while the sources report on the incident and the broader implications for press freedom, they do not provide direct evidence of intent behind the police actions, which remains a subjective interpretation by the journalists involved. Nonetheless, the physical evidence of Nigro's helmet being struck supports the factual claim that he was hit by a non-lethal bullet.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that freelance photographer Michael Nigro was struck in the helmet by a non-lethal bullet fired by a LAPD officer during an anti-ICE rally on October 2, 2023, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The evidence presented, including Nigro's own account and the visible mark on his helmet, confirms the incident occurred as described. Furthermore, the context of increasing tensions between law enforcement and journalists during these protests adds weight to the claim's validity.
Sources
- Journalists dodge rubber bullets in covering L.A. ... (https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/06/16/journalists-dodge-rubber-bullets-in-covering-la-immigration-protests)
- 3rd Street Promenade (https://laist.com/brief/news/santa-monica-ushers-in-another-new-era)
- Politics and Government News (https://www.mprnews.org/feed/politics)
