An 18-year-old University of Southern California freshman lost an eye after being shot with a 'less-lethal' projectile by a Department of Homeland Security agent during a No Kings march in Los Angeles, his attorney said.
Tucker Collins was photographing protesters on 28 March when he was struck in the right eye, fracturing bones in his eye socket, according to lawyer V James DeSimone. The eye was surgically removed.
DeSimone accused DHS of an 'overt act of repression', noting a federal injunction limits the use of force against journalists and legal observers who pose no threat. He plans to file a federal tort claim against DHS.
A DHS spokesperson defended the action, stating that law enforcement used minimum necessary force after seven warnings, and that the First Amendment protects peaceful assembly, not rioting.
Video shows Collins at the rear of the crowd, stepping aside for passersby, according to DeSimone. Police said demonstrators threw concrete blocks, leading to tear gas deployment and dozens of arrests.
