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Violent Impacts of Alleged "Nonlethal" Arms Deployed Against LA Demonstrators

In the United States, non-lethal weapons are frequently employed to disperse public protests, such as the recent ICE protests in Los Angeles, which may inflict severe injuries.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
In the U.S., lethal-sounding weapons are frequently employed to quell public protests, as evidenced...
In the U.S., lethal-sounding weapons are frequently employed to quell public protests, as evidenced by their use during recent ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, despite their capacity to inflict severe harm.

Violent Impacts of Alleged "Nonlethal" Arms Deployed Against LA Demonstrators

In a tumultuous weekend for US domestic politics, law enforcement and the National Guard detained over 50 protesters in Los Angeles, California. On Friday, June 6, assorted groups ventured into the streets to voice their opposition towards Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which have escalated in frequency and number over the past several months. As per CBS News, ICE made over 2,000 arrests daily during the initial week of June, a spike compared to the average of 660 in the first 100 days of President Trump's second term.

California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted the Trump administration for allegedly creating a crisis, while other civil society groups denounced the handling of protesters. Amnesty International remarked, "President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to protests against recent ICE raids is deeply worrying. Armed troops have no place in our neighborhoods. This is not about protecting communities, but about suppressing dissent and instilling fear."

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During the standoffs, protesters squared off against National Guard and Los Angeles Sheriff's Office officers, who were armed with "less lethal" weapons to quell the protests. Among these armaments were purportedly the PGL-65 (or P540) or the 37mm or 40mm Sage Deuce Projectile Launcher, non-deadly ammunition launchers that law enforcement agencies possess. These devices can launch tear gas grenades up to nearly 500 feet and also fire kinetic impact grenades (rubber ammunition), "less lethal" fragmentation grenades (rubber balls that shatter upon explosion), stun grenades (explosions that create loud noises and disorienting lights), and paint marker grenades (to identify demonstrators). As per CNN, police in Los Angeles employed stun guns and tear gas to disperse protesters.

Weapons Beyond Borders

Canada outlaws the use of these "less lethal" weapons for demonstration control through the Firearms Regulations (SOR/2020-96 and SOR/98-462). The statute forbids the use of firearms with a diameter of 20 mm or more (except those designed to neutralize explosive devices) under the "regulations establishing certain firearms and other weapons, components and parts of weapons, accessories, cartridge magazines, ammunition and projectiles as prohibited or restricted."

Though Canada is among the few countries that outlaw the PGL-65, international organizations caution against its use.

The Los Angeles police force also employs another "less lethal" projectile launcher against protesters. Our website verified that this weapon matches the Defense Technology 40mm Single-Shot Launcher (model 1325 or similar), reportedly painted green to denote its "anti-riot" application. footage from the Australian site 9News reveals an incident where a police officer armed with this weapon allegedly shot an Australian journalist with a rubber bullet. This weapon appears in other images that media and citizens have captured during the protests.

International views on the use of "less lethal" weapons, such as the aforementioned ones, in controlling demonstrations vary markedly. These weapons spark debates for their potential to worsen situations and inflict harm, despite being classified as "nonlethal." While they are generally accepted under specific circumstances, there is growing concern about their misuse and the risk of severe injury or death. Evidently, organizations like Amnesty International and the United Nations express concern about the deployment of these weapons during protests, as they can exacerbate tensions and contribute to further violence. Nationally and internationally, these actions are subject to scrutiny, with many questioning the balance between maintaining public order and respecting human rights.

  1. The California Governor, Gavin Newsom, has criticized the Trump administration for escalating ICE raids, stating the administration's actions have created a crisis.
  2. In response to the increased ICE raids, protesters and civil society groups have denounced the administration's handling of the situation, with Amnesty International remarking that armed troops have no place in neighborhoods.
  3. During the protests, law enforcement agencies have employed "less lethal" weapons to quell demonstrations, such as the PGL-65, 37mm or 40mm Sage Deuce Projectile Launcher, stun guns, and tear gas.
  4. These "less lethal" weapons are subject to criticism and debate, as they can worsen situations and inflict harm, despite being classified as nonlethal.
  5. The deployment of "less lethal" weapons during protests is under scrutiny, both nationally and internationally, with organizations like Amnesty International and the United Nations expressing concern about their use and potential to exacerbate tensions and contribute to further violence.

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