Pete Hegseth Approves Controversial Heat Ray Test Amidst Warnings

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved the testing of a military heat ray device at the U.S.-Mexico border, despite concerns about its safety. The Homeland Security Department received a seven-month loan of the Active Denial System, which is meant to repel crowds by inflicting temporary pain.

Approval of the Heat Ray Device

The Pentagon allowed Homeland Security to test and possibly deploy the ADS. This system emits an energy wave causing an "intolerable" burning sensation on the skin. Hegseth specified that no Department of Defense personnel would operate the device, likely to protect the Pentagon from potential issues.

Non-lethal but Controversial Technology

The ADS is described as non-lethal, affecting less than a millimeter into the skin without causing injury. However, specifics on its usage by DHS remain unclear. Although proposed as a crowd-control tool for years, it hasn't been used operationally since being sent to Afghanistan in 2010.

Concerns and Political Context

Physicians for Human Rights have raised concerns about potential injuries to sensitive areas like eyes during prolonged exposure. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about DHS's track record with more than 1,200 violent arrests reported by July and over 20 deaths in custody this year.

The approval comes amidst scrutiny of Hegseth’s time at the Pentagon, with efforts for his impeachment surfacing last month. There have also been public criticisms regarding other controversial proposals during his tenure.