Police in North Dakota are now authorised to use drones armed with tasers, tear gas, rubber bullets and other ‘non-lethal weapons’. Why? Well, because ‘MURICA, we guess.
This terrible, awful, fucking stupid development has happened due to Bill 1328 – which (strangely enough) originally had the best intentions, and limited police surveillance and completely baned weaponised drones. Then, unfortunately, a lobbyist was able to amend the bill to state that that only drones with lethal weapons were banned. Thus, leaving the doors wide open for police to remotely use “non-lethal” weapons attached to drones.
Because, y’know, rubber bullets, tear gas/pepper/capsicum spray, and tasers don’t kill ya, they just badly injure ya. See?! Totally humane:
Oh, and this scene at the Reclaim Australia/Anti-Racism rallies in Melbourne less than 2 months ago, where both protestors and medics were sprayed with pepper spray:
The Republican sponsor of the original 1328 Bill (which banned weaponised drones), Rick Becker, was clearly disappointed, saying to The Daily Beast during a hearing,
“This is one I’m not in full agreement with. In my opinion there should be a nice, red line: drones should not be weaponised. Period.”
Yeah, good idea America. You are now literally creating more avenues and opportunities for more scenes like those pictured above, except now with crewless flying machines, rather than human beings. Well done you. Excellent job. A+.
via The Verge
Image: Aerovironment Inc via The Guardian
