In a dramatic live broadcast that highlighted the dangers journalists face while covering civil unrest, a CNN correspondent found herself caught in the middle of chaotic anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. Federal agents deployed pepper balls to disperse demonstrators, causing the journalist to cough and choke visibly on air during the tense confrontation.
Live Broadcast Turns Chaotic as Reporter Gets Hit
The incident unfolded on Friday night during CNN's OutFront with Erin Burnett, when correspondent Veronica Miracle was reporting from outside the Edward R Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles. The protests were part of a nationwide "ICE Out" shutdown organized to oppose immigration enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security.
As Miracle described the escalating situation on the ground, she was suddenly hit by chemical irritants fired by ICE agents. "I just got hit," she exclaimed, audibly struggling to breathe and coughing heavily. At one point, she apologized to anchor Erin Burnett, saying, "I can't breathe," as pepper spray lingered thickly in the air around her and the surrounding crowd.
Unprecedented Scene as Protesters Overwhelm Officers
Despite the physical discomfort, Miracle continued her reporting, detailing what she described as an unusually intense scene. She noted that protesters had managed to overwhelm a line of Department of Homeland Security officers—something she said was unprecedented in her years of covering protests in the area.
According to her account, demonstrators pushed officers back toward a loading dock and eventually forced them inside the federal building. "There was some pepper spray used, bottles were thrown, but ultimately the protesters overtook the property," Miracle reported, adding that police usually prevent demonstrators from breaching federal grounds.
Law Enforcement Response and Aftermath
During the broadcast, viewers could see an isolated officer in the background being targeted with thrown objects, while agents continued firing pepper balls to push protesters back. Anchor Erin Burnett repeatedly urged Miracle to take her time and ensure she was safe before resuming her report.
The Los Angeles Police Department later declared the gathering an "unlawful assembly" and confirmed the use of pepper balls and tear gas to disperse crowds. The protests marked the culmination of a day-long demonstration that began earlier at City Hall.
Broader Implications for Journalism and Protest Coverage
The dramatic live broadcast underscored several important issues:
- Journalist Safety: The incident highlighted the physical risks journalists face when covering volatile protest situations
- Protest Intensity: Miracle noted the unusual nature of this protest, where demonstrators successfully breached federal property
- Law Enforcement Tactics: The use of chemical irritants in crowded protest situations raises questions about crowd control methods
- Media Access: The incident occurred during live coverage, demonstrating how quickly situations can escalate during protests
Miracle also highlighted the apparent lack of law enforcement presence managing the crowd as tensions peaked, suggesting that the situation had escalated beyond typical protest management protocols.
The protests in Los Angeles were part of larger nationwide demonstrations against ICE enforcement actions, reflecting ongoing tensions around immigration policy in the United States. The live coverage provided viewers with a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges facing both protesters and journalists in such volatile environments.
