Less Lethal Weapons & Protests: Law Enforcement Use
- Law enforcement agencies deploy less lethal weapons,such as foam rounds,for protest control,intending to induce "pain compliance" without serious harm.tho, these weapons frequently cause devastating injuries, according to Linda...
- During the 2020 protests following George Floyd's death, less-lethal weapons led to traumatic brain injuries, exploded eyeballs, and shattered bones.
- McRobbie's research into the history of less-lethal weapons revealed a story of eroding rights and forgotten promises.
Law enforcement’s use of less-lethal weapons for protest control often results in severe injuries, despite the aim of “pain compliance.” A new report reveals how these weapons, including foam rounds, caused traumatic brain injuries and shattered bones during the 2020 protests, leading to settlements. Linda Rodriguez McRobbie’s research highlights the lack of oversight and the erosion of rights associated with these weapons. The use of less-lethal weapons can damage trust between communities and law enforcement, raising serious concerns about free speech. News Directory 3 provides insight into the challenges of regulating these tools and their impact.Discover what’s next in the quest for responsible use of these weapons and the protection of protesters’ rights.
Less-Lethal Weapons: Protest Control and Devastating Impacts
Updated June 13,2025
Law enforcement agencies deploy less lethal weapons,such as foam rounds,for protest control,intending to induce “pain compliance” without serious harm.tho, these weapons frequently cause devastating injuries, according to Linda Rodriguez McRobbie.
During the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death, less-lethal weapons led to traumatic brain injuries, exploded eyeballs, and shattered bones. Cities paid millions in settlements, wiht some agencies promising reform.
McRobbie’s research into the history of less-lethal weapons revealed a story of eroding rights and forgotten promises. She noted that law enforcement is often tasked with addressing complex social issues without the means to solve them, relying instead on weapons with limited oversight.
The terminology used to describe these weapons—”sponge,” “bean-bag”—obscures the harm they inflict. The lack of national and international guidelines raises questions about whether the problem lies in the tool or its application.
McRobbie argues that protests are frequently enough not the appropriate place for less lethal weapons. In such contexts, they can become tools of intimidation, damaging trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and threatening free speech.
Linda Rodriguez McRobbie is an award-winning journalist and author whose work appears in publications such as the boston Globe and The Guardian. She collaborated with Long Lead on “People vs. Rubber Bullets,” an investigative series on kinetic impact projectiles.
What’s next
Further scrutiny and policy changes are needed to ensure the responsible use of less lethal weapons and protect the rights of protesters.