House Homeland Security Committee Democrats Investigate DHS Use of Less-Lethal Weapons: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
The House Homeland Security Committee Democrats have initiated an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security's use of "less lethal" weapons following incidents of serious injuries, particularly during protests related to the death of Renee Good. Rep. Bennie Thompson, along with Reps. Lou Correa and Shri Thanedar, expressed concerns about the misuse of force by law enforcement, calling for transparency regarding the inventory and use of these weapons by DHS personnel. The committee's letter to DHS requests information on less-lethal weapons, their manufacturer instructions, and related use-of-force reports.
Greg Bovino, formerly the "commander at large" of the Border Patrol, was recorded encouraging agents to use less-lethal weapons extensively, claiming authorization from higher authorities. This aggressive approach to enforcement has raised alarms, with instances of severe injuries reported. Protestors like Kaden Rummler and Britain Rodriguez suffered permanent eye damage after being shot with less-lethal rounds during demonstrations, highlighting the potential dangers of these weapons when used improperly.
The letter from Rep. Thompson also highlights incidents of indiscriminate use of pepper spray and tear gas by DHS agents, further emphasizing the need for accountability and oversight in the deployment of less-lethal weapons. The committee's probe aims to address concerns about the safety and appropriate use of these tools in law enforcement operations.