USC Student Loses Eye After Being Struck by Federal Agent's Projectile During LA Protest

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:34:00 +0200

Tucker Collins, an 18-year-old University of Southern California freshman, lost his right eye after being struck by a less-lethal projectile fired by a Department of Homeland Security agent during a 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles on March 28, 2026. Collins, who had attended the protest to document it with his interest in photography, was standing behind a barrier when he was injured by the projectile. The protest was part of a larger national movement against President Trump's policies, the cost of living, and the war with Iran. Despite staying behind the frontlines, Collins was hit, and the resulting injury required the surgical removal of his eye. His attorney criticized the incident as an unjust use of force, stressing that Collins was not engaging in violence. The Department of Homeland Security justified the use of force, claiming that protesters threw projectiles at officers. This incident follows similar injuries to other protesters and raises concerns about federal law enfor