Fact Check: "Freelance photographer Michael Nigro was 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, freelance photographer Michael Nigro was indeed struck in the helmet by a non-lethal bullet fired by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer during an anti-ICE rally. This incident occurred while Nigro was documenting the protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Los Angeles. He reported that the impact of the bullet caused his neck to jerk and was described as a "percussive 'ding'" on his helmet, which ultimately protected him from injury (Los Angeles Press Club). Nigro characterized the shooting as feeling "very intentional," suggesting that it was meant to intimidate journalists covering the event (Los Angeles Press Club).
Analysis
The claim that Michael Nigro was struck by a non-lethal bullet is supported by multiple credible sources. The incident was reported by the Los Angeles Press Club, which highlighted the ongoing issues faced by journalists at protests, particularly the use of "less-lethal" munitions by police (Los Angeles Press Club). Additionally, the broader context of police violence against journalists during protests has been documented, indicating a pattern of behavior that raises concerns about press freedom and safety (Newsweek).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include established news organizations and press advocacy groups. The Los Angeles Press Club is a reputable organization advocating for press rights, and their reporting aligns with other accounts of police actions during protests (Newsweek). Furthermore, the LAPD's acknowledgment of using less-lethal munitions during protests adds credibility to the claim (Yahoo).
Conclusion
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 True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the incident and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in documenting protests.
