A USC freshman who went to photograph a recent "No Kings" protest in downtown Los Angeles was allegedly shot with a less-lethal projectile by a Department of Homeland Security agent and had to have one of his eyes removed, according to his attorney.
Core Facts
Tucker Collins, 18, was shot in the eye with what appeared to be a projectile containing chemical irritants during the March 28 demonstration, said his attorney, V. James DeSimone. He was taken to the side of the protest at the Metropolitan Detention Center and given an eye patch. A nurse happened to be driving by and offered to take him to the hospital, DeSimone said.
Collins, who is still recovering, had his right eye removed as a result of his injuries, according to DeSimone. The Department of Homeland Security didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Context and Background
DeSimone’s law firm has represented at least 15 people who were allegedly injured by Homeland Security agents during protests since last June, including a guitar player whose finger was shattered and a 79-year-old car wash owner who was slammed to the ground and experienced a brain bleed.
Federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions restricting Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from using tear gas, pepper-ball munitions, and other less-lethal projectiles against protesters. DeSimone claimed this is the third or fourth person to lose an eye due to Homeland Security agents, with two other cases in Orange County.
Perspectives and Implications
DeSimone stated that law enforcement has targeted the press with violence, alleging that agents were focusing on documenting the crowd rather than addressing individuals throwing objects. The incident raises questions about the use of less-lethal projectiles by federal agents during protests and the potential for unintended severe injuries.