In 1990, Ethiopia was a nation fighting against their government. Demonstrations and protests would occur in the city; some of these protests would turn violent. One of these violent protests broke out in the middle of the street. A shooting occurred and Desta was caught in the crossfire. He tried to duck out of the way and get to safety but a bullet had entered his leg causing traumatic injury to his left leg. He reached a hospital as soon as he could, but over time an infection set in and caused the need for his leg to be amputated.