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Pentagon Approves DHS Testing of Military Thermal Weapon System at Border
What happened
The Pentagon authorized the Department of Homeland Security to test the Active Denial System, a military weapon that emits energy beams causing intense heat sensation on skin. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo approving the testing for potential use at the U.S.-Mexico border. The system is described as non-lethal and designed to disperse people.
Side by side
The Guardian emphasizes the system "shoots energy beam that causes 'sensation of intense heat on surface of skin'" and frames the story around Pete Hegseth granting permission. The Daily Beast describes it as an "unusual 'heat ray' weapon."
- GUPete Hegseth has reportedly given DHS permission to test ‘heat ray’ for use at US-Mexico borderThe Guardian · Left
- TDBDHS to Test Heat Ray Weapon at US-Mexico BorderThe Daily Beast · Left
The Hill leads with a quote from Homeland Security Secretary Mullin stating the department is "always evaluating technology on the border." Newsweek focuses on what the weapon "does to your body" in its framing.
- HILMullin on heat ray weapon: 'We're always evaluating technology on the border'The Hill · Center
- NWWhat The U.S. Military’s ‘Heat Ray’ Weapon Does To Your BodyNewsweek · Center
Blaze Media describes it as a weapon that causes an "irresistible urge to run" and refers to Hegseth as "Secretary of War" rather than Defense Secretary. The Daily Caller characterizes it as a "sci-fi heat ray weapon" and quotes officials on "continually evaluating new technology."
- BLZDHS to test military-grade ‘heat ray’ that causes an ‘irresistible urge to run’ to protect southern borderBlaze Media · Right
- DCMilitary’s Sci-Fi Heat Ray Weapon Could Soon Be Headed To Southern BorderThe Daily Caller · Right
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