Can You Believe It?
It’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that a company is attempting to introduce their “lasso guns” into hospitals and educational institutions. Wrap Technologies, the brainchild behind the BolaWrap lasso gun, is actively seeking to broaden the application of their device beyond just law enforcement.
Hospital Interest in Lasso Guns
Recent investigations by Vice have revealed that Wrap Technologies has caught the attention of a hospital interested in utilizing their lasso gun to manage “noncompliant individuals.” For this to happen, the company would need to maneuver around the National Firearm Act (NFA) to make their firearms available to entities outside of police and military use.
Lobbying for Deregulation
To facilitate this initiative, Wrap has been actively lobbying the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to relax regulations on their newest model. This effort was underscored during an investor call where the former CEO, Tom Smith, discussed plans to diversify the market for their lasso guns.
Understanding the Lasso Gun Concept
While the idea of lasso guns might sound unconventional, they’ve gained traction among law enforcement agencies for their ability to restrain suspects effectively. The BolaWrap 150, their latest iteration, employs an airbag-like system to release its cord, setting it apart from older models.
Lessons from Taser International
This approach is reminiscent of Smith’s previous achievements with Taser International, where he successfully lobbied to deregulate stun guns under the NFA by shifting to a compressed gas propellant. Although Smith’s time at Wrap was relatively brief, he made impactful strides before his exit, including a hopeful ATF determination the company is currently banking on.
Controversy Surrounding Lasso Guns
Although Wrap has not yet attained the level of notoriety enjoyed by Taser, their products have already ignited debate. A notable incident involved Buffalo police deploying a lasso gun on a Black trans woman experiencing a crisis, raising serious questions about the device’s efficacy and the potential risks involved.
The Ongoing Debate
As conversations persist about the role of lasso guns as non-lethal alternatives, it’s crucial to reflect on the ramifications of introducing such weapons into environments like schools. The conversation surrounding these advanced devices is just beginning, but it’s evident that their introduction prompts vital discussions about safety and ethics.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in delving deeper into this contentious issue, be sure to check out Vice Motherboard’s comprehensive article. Also, don’t miss the story of a man who ignited into flames after being tased by police, which serves as a stark reminder of the intricate challenges related to the use of force in today’s society.
