(WXYZ) — The right to defend yourself is sacred. But the use of lethal force to disable a threat is not always warranted- and can put you on the wrong side of the law.
That’s why more and more self-defense seekers are investing in something that can thwart a threat without taking a life.
The right to defend doesn’t always mean the right to kill.
“Make this arm straight, this one is pulling, this one is pushing,” said Dale Brown of Detroit Urban Survival Training (DUST).
In fact, most situations don’t require lethal force.
Making this non-lethal alternative even more attractive to this Oakland County mom and the thousands of others flocking to own it. This is a Byrna.
“A Byrna is a self-defense tool that’s called a launcher,” said Dale Brown from Detroit Urban Survival Training.
Launching Kinetic projectiles up to 60 ft. offers ones that burst on impact- releasing chemical irritants that can disable attackers for up to 40 minutes.
WXYZ’s Ameera David asked, “Why buy this?”
“I was having some difficulty in a relationship going through a divorce that became hostile and dangerous,” said Beatrice.
Beatrice wanted protection but the idea of using a gun was fueling even more anxiety.
“I obviously don’t want to live with the guilt of killing a human being,” said Beatrice.
Neither did Jeff Wagner’s fiancé, pushing him to buy her a Byrna.
“This one looks like a practice weapon. Right. For her, she’s got an aversion to guns. This one looks less like a lethal gun,” said Jeff Wagner.
The lethal look is convenient for those like Dale Brown. He employs 50 security professionals- and outfits each one of them with a Byrna.
“You think this works as a great deterrent?” asked David.
“So, when an aggressor sees this, they’ll think it's a firearm when in fact it's a launcher,” said Brown.
It’s working for Brown’s security team, but retired Assistant Detroit Police Chief Steve Dolunt warns that perception is reality. “It could turn tragic real quick,” he said, causing the opposite effect.
“If you’re in a situation that’s kind of intense, and you go to your waste to pull a weapon, the perception is that you’re going for a firearm that could escalate a situation beyond what you thought,” he added.
And then there’s the legal repercussions. The company reminding users that “if used improperly can result in criminal and/or civil liability.”
“There’s pros and cons to this,” said Dolunt. “If you’re going to carry this stuff, be trained, or else, prepare for the consequences.”
Today, Beatrice saying she’s getting trained and in the process is finding confidence. She says having this weapon by her side is giving her a more safe, secure feeling.
She hopes to never have to use it, but she’s staying ready in case she does.
