Controversial Move: Lasso Guns in Medical Facilities and Schools
It’s hard to believe, but there’s a company pushing to introduce their “lasso guns” into medical settings and educational institutions. Wrap Technologies, the force behind the BolaWrap lasso gun, is actively seeking to broaden the application of their device beyond its original law enforcement purpose.
Recent reports from Vice reveal that Wrap Technologies has garnered interest from a hospital considering the use of their lasso gun to manage “noncompliant individuals.” This initiative poses a challenge for the company, as it will need to navigate the complexities of the National Firearm Act (NFA) to make their devices available to non-police and non-military organizations.
In pursuit of this goal, Wrap has been engaging with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to seek deregulation of their newest model. This endeavor was discussed during an investor call, where former CEO Tom Smith elaborated on the company’s ambition to expand the market for their lasso guns.
Although the idea of lasso guns may seem unconventional, they have found favor among law enforcement agencies for restraining suspects. The BolaWrap 150, the latest iteration from Wrap, employs an innovative airbag-like mechanism to release its cord, setting it apart from earlier designs.
This strategic approach echoes Smith’s previous achievements with Taser International, where he successfully deregulated stun guns under the NFA by pivoting to a compressed gas propellant. Despite his brief tenure at Wrap, Smith made notable progress, including a favorable ATF determination that the company is optimistic about.
While Wrap Technologies has not yet achieved the level of success seen with Taser, their products have already stirred significant debate. A particularly concerning incident involved Buffalo police using a lasso gun on a Black trans woman in distress, raising serious questions about the weapon’s effectiveness and potential risks.
As conversations continue about the integration of lasso guns as non-lethal options, it’s crucial to examine the ramifications of introducing such devices into sensitive environments like schools. The discussions surrounding these advanced tools are ongoing, but their adoption undeniably brings forth critical questions regarding safety and ethical considerations.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into this contentious topic, be sure to read Vice Motherboard’s comprehensive article. Additionally, don’t miss the striking story about a man catching fire after being tased by police—it highlights the intricate challenges associated with the use of force in today’s society.
