Press photographer gets shot in the head by a rubber bullet during LA’s anti-ICE unrest — and the footage is chilling

A disturbing scene unfolded in Los Angeles Sunday evening as California police shot a New York Post photographer in the head with a rubber bullet amid violent protests that erupted across the city. The harrowing moment was captured on video by veteran photojournalist Toby Canham, who was on assignment for The Post when the incident occurred.

Canham, 59, was stationed near the 101 Freeway on an elevated surface, documenting the chaotic standoff between California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and rioters. While recording, a CHP officer suddenly aimed his weapon at Canham and opened fire from an estimated distance of 100 yards. Canham, who was clearly wearing his press credentials, was struck directly in the forehead and collapsed almost instantly — footage he filmed shows the jarring impact.

“F–k, f–k, I just got shot in the head!” he shouted, his voice cracking with pain from behind the camera.

The impact left him with a pronounced bruise on his forehead and caused whiplash. He later spent Monday receiving medical attention at a hospital for the neck and head trauma. A father of two and British Army veteran now based in Los Angeles, Canham recounted the sudden and unjustified nature of the shooting.

“When I got whacked, to my best recollection it was just me filming with my cameras on and then I got shot,” he said. “Where I was hit, I was the only person overlooking the freeway. I wasn’t surrounded so I was an easy target.”

Moments before being shot, a flashbang had exploded just a few feet away from him. The blast kicked up debris that tore two holes in his pants. Shortly after, he saw someone off to the side hurl a water bottle filled with liquid at police before disappearing from the scene. Canham had only been filming for about 20 seconds before the rubber bullet struck.

The violence in Los Angeles that night coincided with reports of a separate incident involving an Australian news reporter who was also hit with a rubber bullet while broadcasting live. The city has been on edge following recent federal actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which have sparked widespread unrest and protests. Protesters stormed a major freeway in downtown LA, lighting self-driving vehicles on fire, blocking traffic, and prompting an aggressive police response. The freeway was eventually cleared by law enforcement, who forced the crowd onto an exit ramp.

While photographing the events, Canham noted that protesters were standing near the freeway on a raised platform, while CHP officers remained on the road, shielded under an overpass. The protest turned violent, with rioters throwing bottles, rocks, and other objects at police.

“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 so I’m a bit pissed off about that to be honest,” Canham added. “I could have lost an eye or some teeth.” At the time of publication, the CHP had not responded to a request for comment. LAPD officials stated, “There is no comment, the incident needs to be investigated.” California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office also declined to comment and referred all inquiries to local law enforcement. The Los Angeles mayor’s office remained silent as well.

As tensions in the city escalated, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to reinforce the 300 National Guard troops already in place, supporting overwhelmed local authorities in efforts to regain control.

Check the Video from the NY Post.

Note to our readers: This report is based on original field footage and firsthand testimony provided by a veteran press photographer. The information has been fact-checked and cross-referenced with verified news sources and official law enforcement communications to ensure accuracy.

- https://nypost.com/2025/06/09/us-news/la-anti-ice-rioters-enrage-locals-with-revolting-anti-american-displays/