Community reporter 'Richard LA' shot in ICE-related South Central LA incident

Community reporter "Richard LA" was shot this morning at approximately 8:52 a.m., during an ICE-related incident involving federal agents in South Los Angeles. 

Angelina Valencia-Dumarot, a spokeswoman for Price, told City News Service that Price's chief of staff, Jose Ugarte, went to the hospital where the person was being treated and spoke to Richard LA's son, who confirmed that his father had been shot. At that time, the son had not yet been able to see Richard LA, so he had no update on his condition, she said.

Richard LA is a Latino TikTok creator and community reporter. He is known for his live reporting on TikTok, where he does live videos focusing on breaking news and ICE raids. A live TikTok video captured what is believed to be Richard getting medical care in the location.

NBC Los Angeles confirmed that two people were injured in a shooting that took place in E. 20th Street near Washington Boulevard, steps away from Santee Education Complex, an LAUSD high school. 

Paramedics found two people, one confirmed to be a U.S. Marshal who was shot in the hand by a ricochet bullet. He is reported to be in stable condition.

“At least six vehicles and a number of police are present,” Union Del Barrio, a local defense community patrolling organization, wrote in an Instagram post.

The U.S. Marshals Service, in a statement, said their deputies were “attempting to assist in [the] arrest of a suspect wanted for illegal entry” during the immigration enforcement operation. 

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told KTLA that the shooting was “defensive."

“ICE law enforcement officers, assisted by U.S. marshals, pulled the illegal alien over in a standard law enforcement procedure. The illegal alien weaponized his vehicle and began ramming the law enforcement vehicle in an attempt to flee," she said. "Fearing for the safety of the public and law enforcement, our officers followed their training and fired defensive shots." 

McLaughlin said these were consequences of "conduct and rhetoric by sanctuary politicians and activists who urge illegal aliens to resist arrest. Resisting arrest puts the safety of illegal aliens, law enforcement and the public at risk."

Although McLaughlin said the "illegal alien" targeted in the morning operation was the person injured in the shooting, it remained unclear if Richard LA was the person being sought or if he was a bystander.

The LAPD confirmed that a person was in custody in connection with the shooting but has not given any further information.

DHS has also not enclosed or confirmed any names of those involved in the incident. 

The scene is currently closed off and LAPD helicopters are flying over the area.