College Student Loses Eye After Federal Agent Fires Projectile at 'No Kings' Protest

Attorney says the use of force violated federal limits on federal agents during demonstrations.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bloodied, damaged eye, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty aftermath of a confrontation between protesters and law enforcement.A violent clash between protesters and federal agents leaves a young demonstrator with a devastating injury, sparking renewed scrutiny over the use of force during public rallies.Los Angeles Today

An 18-year-old college student named Tucker Collins had to have his eyeball removed after being struck by a less-lethal projectile fired by a federal agent during a 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles last month, according to the student's attorney Jim DeSimone. Video footage shows Collins suddenly falling to the ground with a bloodied eye, and DeSimone believes the projectile was fired in violation of federal rules limiting the use of force by federal agents during demonstrations.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters, as well as concerns over the appropriate use of force by federal agents during public demonstrations. It also raises questions about the enforcement of federal court rulings that restrict the tactics federal agents can use against civilians exercising their First Amendment rights.

The details

According to the attorney, 18-year-old Tucker Collins was taking photographs during the 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles when he was suddenly struck in the eye by a less-lethal projectile, causing him to fall to the ground with a bloodied eye. Other videos and photos show Collins being tended to by bystanders after the incident. DeSimone believes the projectile was fired by a federal agent, which he says would violate a federal court ruling limiting the use of force tactics by federal law enforcement during demonstrations.

  • The incident occurred during a 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles last month.

The players

Tucker Collins

An 18-year-old college student who had to have his eyeball removed after being struck by a less-lethal projectile fired by a federal agent during a protest in Los Angeles.

Jim DeSimone

The attorney representing Tucker Collins, who believes the use of force by the federal agent violated a federal court ruling limiting tactics against protesters.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency whose spokesperson stated that law enforcement has 'followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to protect themselves, the public, and federal property.'

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What’s next

The attorney representing Tucker Collins plans to file a lawsuit against the federal government over the incident, arguing that the use of force violated a federal court ruling limiting tactics federal agents can use against protesters.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and legal battles over the appropriate use of force by federal law enforcement against civilians exercising their First Amendment rights during public demonstrations. It raises questions about the enforcement of court rulings intended to restrict federal agents' tactics and the broader issues of police accountability and the protection of civil liberties.