A 21-year-old college student, Kaden Rummler, has reported that he was blinded in one eye after being struck by a projectile fired by federal officers during a protest in Southern California. In a devastating twist of fate, he underwent a six-hour surgery on January 9 following the incident at a demonstration, ignited by the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis.
Rummler recalls the agony he endured, stating that the injury has robbed him of depth perception and even the ability to drive. It’s going to affect every aspect of my life, he lamented, expressing that he hopes to have a career in forestry. Rummler is currently considering legal action against the authorities.
Another protestor, Britain Rodriguez, 31, also sustained significant injuries during the same protest, claiming he was struck in the face by a projectile while standing near the immigration building. Rodriguez described the moment of impact, saying, I remember hitting the ground and feeling like my eye exploded in my head.
As public sentiment grows against excessive use of force, Rummler's attorney, John Washington, has raised concerns about the materials in the projectile they suspect to be toxic. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has yet to clarify the type of projectile used during the incident, although assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin labeled the protest violent, claiming Rummler's injury assertions are absurd.
Compounding matters, Rummler is facing a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct stemming from the protest, while another protestor was jailed and charged with assaulting a federal officer. Rummler's plight typifies the escalating tensions between communities and federal agents amidst the ongoing immigration policy unrest.
