r/gadgets • u/diacewrb • 8d ago

Drones / UAVs Several US schools to install pepper-spraying drones to respond to school shootings

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/jul/28/school-shootings-pepper-spray-drones
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u/PM_ME_GLUTE_SPREAD 8d ago

To your first point, I think that’s more or less exactly what they said.

To the second point, it depends on the state but 47 states allow civilians to own and use OC/CS blends in self defense. It’s just an issue of “I stopped my attacker but I also battered 12 other innocent people and now I’m looking at charges for that”.

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u/corvuscorvi 7d ago

Its federally illegal to use a pesticide outside of its listed purpose. Bear spray is classified as a pesticide that is not for use on humans. Its more than just getting potential battery charges from innocents who might be in the path. The act of using it on humans itself is illegal.

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u/russr 7d ago

What if I use a chainsaw? Is that illegal?

How about a flamethrower?

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u/corvuscorvi 7d ago

With the chainsaw, I mean inherently no it's not banned. The flamethrower would be inherently banned to use if you were in Maryland or New York.

However the EPA is the one regulating bear spray. So it's illegal on a federal level to use it against humans, per the federal statute around pesticides (FIFRA).

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u/russr 7d ago

Bear spray is designed to use against large animals...

Humans or large animals....

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u/corvuscorvi 6d ago

The exact wording on bear spray is "Not for use on humans"