Multiple schools in the United States are set to implement pepper-spraying drones as a response to school shooting attacks. This initiative is being led by Campus Guardian Angel, a company based in Austin, Texas, which describes itself as a response capability company.
The drones are being supplied to various schools, including at least four in Georgia, three in Florida, and one in Colorado. Among the Georgia schools piloting the programme are Coffee County High School, Gainesville High School, River Ridge High School, and Statesboro High School. Florida schools expected to launch the programme include Deltona High School, Amos P Godby High School, and Boyd H Anderson High School, while John Adams Academy in Colorado is also preparing to introduce the technology.
According to Campus Guardian Angel, the drones are designed to launch after an alert of an attack and once a threat is confirmed. They can be flown remotely, support two-way communication through an embedded speakerphone, and are equipped with sirens and air poppers. The drones can also fire pepper balls and deliver kinetic energy strikes against a confirmed attacker, with the aim of incapacitating them until authorised responders arrive.
The company's tactical operations director, Khristof Oborski, stated that the concept was inspired by the use of small drones in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in February 2022. However, the approach has drawn criticism, with some, like Tony Montalto, whose daughter was killed in a 2018 school shooting, arguing that the focus should be on prevention rather than reaction.