USC Freshman Loses Eye After Federal Agent's Projectile Strike at LA Protest

Attorney says student was documenting 'No Kings' demonstration when he was hit, leaving him partially blinded

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:08am

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A moody, cinematic painting depicting the shadowy silhouette of a person holding a camera, their face obscured, set against a backdrop of warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and the weight of a life-changing event.A student photographer's life-altering injury during a protest highlights ongoing tensions over federal use of force against demonstrators.Los Angeles Today

An 18-year-old University of Southern California freshman lost his right eye after being struck by a projectile fired by a Department of Homeland Security agent during a 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles last month, according to his attorney. The student, Tucker Collins, was allegedly documenting the demonstration when he was hit, resulting in the destruction of his eyeball and fracturing of the bones in his eye socket.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns over the use of force by federal agents against protesters, with a history of demonstrators suffering serious injuries like lost eyesight, broken bones, and breathing issues. It also raises questions about press freedom and the rights of individuals to document public events without fear of harm.

The details

According to Collins' attorney, V. James DeSimone, the USC freshman was struck by the projectile while staying back from the front lines of the protest outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA. DHS claims rioters were throwing rocks, bottles, and cement blocks at officers, and that seven warnings were issued before crowd control measures were deployed, resulting in three arrests. However, DeSimone states that Collins was not threatening or attacking anyone, and was simply taking photographs as an interested observer.

  • The 'No Kings' protests took place across the country on March 28, 2026.
  • Collins was struck by the projectile while documenting the demonstration outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA.

The players

Tucker Collins

An 18-year-old University of Southern California freshman who studies astronautical engineering with a minor in cinematic arts.

V. James DeSimone

The attorney representing Tucker Collins and stating that his client suffered a 'life-altering injury' while documenting the protest, not participating in violence.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency whose agent allegedly fired the projectile that struck and partially blinded Tucker Collins.

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What they’re saying

“Tucker suffered a life-altering injury documenting a protest, not participating in violence. That should alarm anyone who cares about civil rights, press freedom, and accountability.”

— V. James DeSimone, Attorney

“The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly – not rioting.”

— Department of Homeland Security

“DHS is taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers and the public from dangerous rioters. Our law enforcement has followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to protect themselves, the public, and federal property.”

— Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

DeSimone plans to file a federal tort claim next week, which is the first step for Collins to be able to file a lawsuit. He is also asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact his office.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the use of force by federal agents against protesters, with concerns over civil rights, press freedom, and accountability. It also highlights the potential for life-altering injuries that can result from the deployment of less-lethal weapons, even when individuals are not actively participating in violence.