Teen Loses Eye After Being Shot During Protest

Attorney says USC freshman was targeted by Homeland Security agent at downtown LA demonstration.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered camera lens or eye socket, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the severe injury suffered by a protester documenting a clash with federal agents.A violent clash between protesters and federal agents leaves a young photojournalist with a devastating injury, sparking renewed scrutiny over the use of force at demonstrations.Los Angeles Today

An 18-year-old University of Southern California freshman named Tucker Collins was allegedly shot in the eye with a less-lethal projectile by a Department of Homeland Security agent while photographing a recent "No Kings" protest in downtown Los Angeles. Collins had to have his right eye removed as a result of the injury, according to his attorney V. James DeSimone.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about law enforcement's use of force against protesters and members of the press, with DeSimone stating that his firm has represented at least 15 people allegedly injured by Homeland Security agents during protests since last June. Federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions restricting the use of certain less-lethal weapons against protesters.

The details

According to DeSimone, Collins was shot in the eye with what appeared to be a projectile containing chemical irritants during the March 28 demonstration. He was taken to the side of the protest, given an eye patch, and a nurse driving by offered to take him to the hospital. DeSimone said this is the third or fourth person who has lost an eye from being shot by a Homeland Security agent, with two previous incidents occurring in Orange County.

  • On March 28, Collins was allegedly shot in the eye during the "No Kings" protest in downtown Los Angeles.
  • Collins is still recovering from his injuries and was not feeling well enough to be interviewed on Monday.

The players

Tucker Collins

An 18-year-old University of Southern California freshman who was allegedly shot in the eye by a Homeland Security agent while photographing a protest.

V. James DeSimone

The attorney representing Tucker Collins, who says his law firm has represented at least 15 people allegedly injured by Homeland Security agents during protests since last June.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency whose agents allegedly shot Collins and other protesters with less-lethal projectiles, leading to injuries including lost eyes.

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What they’re saying

“We've unfortunately seen in other instances where law enforcement has targeted the press with violence. Instead of targeting people who were throwing things into the crowd, they were targeting someone who was documenting and taking photos of the crowd.”

— V. James DeSimone, Attorney

“This is the third person who's lost an eye, maybe the fourth by a [Department of Homeland Security agent]. Two were in Orange County. I'm not representing those people but my former partners are. I see it as a really rampant problem across the board.”

— V. James DeSimone, Attorney

What’s next

DeSimone said he is planning to file a federal civil rights lawsuit on Collins' behalf, claiming an officer shot him in reckless disregard of his rights under federal or state law.

The takeaway

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about law enforcement's use of force against protesters and members of the press, with federal judges issuing injunctions to restrict the use of certain less-lethal weapons. The case raises questions about accountability and the need for better training and oversight of officers deployed to demonstrations.