In 2020 less lethal weapons (LLW) were used to disperse protests in more than 100 American cities. Advocates for these weapons argue LLW offer police an alternative to the use of deadly force. However, in the protests that followed George Floyd’s killing, 115 people were shot in the head with LLW. 24 people were partially blinded, myself included, and dozens of others were permanently injured.
Advancements in technology have fomented the development of new LLW systems, and increasing demand has spurred the birth of new producers in countries across the globe. While the arms industry as a whole receives media attention, this growing sub-sector often flies under the radar.
