Tucker Collins, an 18-year-old astronautical engineering major at USC, was blindsided by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent while attending a protest on March 28 outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Downtown Los Angeles.
Collins was at the “No Kings” protest to document the event and took photographs of the crowd at the time of the incident.
In an interview with Annenberg Media, Collins’ attorney James DeSimone confirmed that Collins’ eye had to be surgically removed as a result of the injury.
According to a video that has circulated online and shared by Collins’ attorney, Collins is seen pointing his camera toward a group of protesters when he was struck by a projectile containing chemical irritants, allegedly fired by the Department of Homeland Security.
He immediately fell to his knees, and individuals nearby moved in to assist him.
DeSimone said the incident occurred between approximately 5:00 p.m. and 5:06 p.m.
According to DeSimone, LAPD officers arrived at the scene shortly after Department of Homeland Security officers shot Collins in the eye. He added that he and his firm are currently representing around 15 individuals in actions against the LAPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and DHS.
DeSimone described Collins as “a bit in denial,” noting that while he is eager to return to his normal routine, he may not yet fully grasp the long-term implications of his injuries, including the possibility of a traumatic brain injury.
“He cares deeply about civil rights and civil liberties and is aligned with the people at the protest,” DeSimone said. “He is against the way that DHS and ICE have been coming into communities and terrorizing communities, incarcerating people without due process, and warehousing people without providing adequate water and food.”
Froilan Rodriguez Jr. was also at the protest to support others and help provide aid. Although Rodriguez did not see the exact moment Collins was struck, he was nearby assisting people at the scene.
Rodriguez recalled being hit by a projectile on June 8 of last year in front of Los Angeles City Hall, an injury that later became infected and required surgery. Rodriguez was bedridden for months and later, underwent a knee procedure after developing a serious wound.
Rodriguez now brings medical supplies, such as sodium chloride syringes, to protests to help flush irritants from people’s eyes.
Rodriguez said he stepped back from the front lines when his respirator could no longer handle the tear gas, choosing instead to assist those around him. It was during this time, he believes, that Collins was injured.
“[DHS] are very careless. They’re incompetent,” Rodriguez said.
He emphasized the risks involved in attending protests where crowd-control weapons may be used.
“Go in mind that you might get struck…you’re going to put yourself in harm’s way,” Rodriguez said. “If you still decide to go out there, try to go as prepared as possible. Be ready to experience tear gas and pepper balls.”
First-aid certified for both infants and adults, Rodriguez says he continues attending protests to offer assistance, motivated by the help he received after his own injury.
DeSimone also offered a broader warning to those attending protests, “I advise people to be peaceful, keep a distance, exercise your rights, but do so prudently because you have a long life to live, and you’re not going to change things by giving up your eyesight or your hearing or your brain.”
“I’ve had cases with fractured skulls, and people whose personalities have changed or whose ability to finish school is affected,” he continued. “That shouldn’t be the price you have to pay to exercise your First Amendment rights.”