USC Freshman Blinded in One Eye During Protest

Tucker Collins sues DHS after losing eye to alleged non-lethal projectile

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single shattered glass lens, reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of an alleged incident of police violence against a protester.A shattered lens reflects the harsh reality of alleged excessive force used against protesters.Los Angeles Today

An 18-year-old USC freshman named Tucker Collins is suing the Department of Homeland Security after he was allegedly struck in the eye by a non-lethal projectile fired by a federal officer during a 'No Kings' rally in late March. The incident resulted in Collins losing his right eye, and he now faces multiple surgeries and time off from school.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns over the use of force by federal law enforcement against protesters, with allegations of disproportionate and indiscriminate tactics that can cause serious injury. The case also raises questions about accountability and transparency when it comes to incidents involving federal agents.

The details

According to Collins, he was taking photos during the 'No Kings' rally in front of the Metro detention center when a federal officer fired a non-lethal projectile that struck him directly in the right eye. Doctors were forced to remove the eye due to the severity of the injury. Collins says there is video evidence of the incident, but notes that without such documentation, protesters can be easily dismissed as 'rioters' or 'agitators' with no one to back up their accounts.

  • The incident occurred in late March 2026 during a 'No Kings' rally in Los Angeles.
  • Collins announced the lawsuit against DHS on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Tucker Collins

An 18-year-old USC freshman who was allegedly struck in the eye by a non-lethal projectile fired by a federal officer during a protest, resulting in the loss of his right eye.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that Collins is suing over the alleged use of excessive force by its officers during the protest.

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What they’re saying

“Thankfully, there's someone who took video of what was going on there, what happened when I was injured, but if there's no one there, then I might just have to suffer in silence. I might be called a rioter, an agitator, and have no one to back me up. Like, we need to show that these miscarriages of force are happening.”

— Tucker Collins, USC Freshman

What’s next

Collins says he still has multiple surgeries ahead and will have to take time off from school as a result of his injury. The lawsuit against DHS is expected to proceed in the coming months.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between protesters and federal law enforcement, with allegations of disproportionate use of force and a lack of accountability. The case underscores the importance of transparency and independent documentation when it comes to incidents involving law enforcement during public demonstrations.