Tucker Collins, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Southern California, lost his right eye after being struck in the face with a less-lethal projectile allegedly fired by a Department of Homeland Security agent during a 'No Kings' protest in downtown Los Angeles on March 28. According to his attorney V James DeSimone, Collins was documenting the event when he was hit.
Key Takeaways
An 18-year-old college student lost an eye after being struck by a less-lethal projectile fired by a Department of Homeland Security agent at a 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles on March 28. Tucker Collins, a USC freshman documenting the event with his camera, suffered severe injuries requiring surgical removal of his right eye.
- DHS agent allegedly shot teen with chemical irritant projectile during downtown LA protest
- Lawyer claims federal injunction prohibiting head shots was violated by officers
- DeSimone plans to file civil rights lawsuit against Homeland Security on Collins' behalf
DeSimone claims that DHS officers violated a federal injunction prohibiting the use of such projectiles against protesters' heads. The incident occurred near the Metropolitan Detention Center, where authorities reported demonstrators throwing concrete blocks and other objects at police. Seven warnings were issued before crowd-control measures were deployed.
A spokesperson for DHS stated that their law enforcement followed training protocols and used minimum force necessary to protect themselves, the public, and federal property. The agency maintains that the First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly but not rioting. DeSimone plans to file a federal tort claim against DHS on Collins' behalf.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of alleged excessive force by law enforcement during protests. DeSimone's firm has represented at least 15 people injured by federal or local agents since last June, including cases involving shattered fingers and brain bleeds from similar projectiles.
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