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Though both flashbang grenades and sound cannons are intended to disorient rather than harm, these devices have the potential to inflict serious harm on individuals.
Flashbang grenades are powerful, disorienting devices used in crowd control.
Flashbang grenades
One potential consequence of a flashbang grenade detonation is hearing loss. The sound produced is louder than a jet engine, which can result in temporary deafness, ringing in the ears, and loss of balance. If a person is within close proximity when the grenade goes off, the hearing loss could become permanent. Other injuries may occur due to the force of the blast or the extreme heat created when the flash powder ignites, reaching temperatures higher than lava.
The documentation regarding the use of flashbang grenades by law enforcement is scarce. A 2015 ProPublica investigation discovered that at least 50 Americans, including police officers, had been seriously harmed or killed by flashbang grenades since the year 2000. Numerous additional incidents likely went unreported, as few records are kept about the frequency of their deployment by police forces.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in 2014 during a ‘no-knock’ drug raid in Georgia, when a 19-month-old baby boy was severely injured after officers threw a flashbang grenade into his crib. The grenade landed next to his face on a pillow, causing serious burns to his face and throat. The police were searching for the family’s cousin, who was not present at the time and later surrendered peacefully.
The 19-month-old was placed into a medically induced coma for a month and underwent numerous reconstructive surgeries. As he grows, further surgeries will be required. The ongoing cost of his care has been reported at $1.6 million, an amount initially refused by Habersham County, GA, although the family eventually reached a settlement for $3.6 million in a civil suit. A grand jury later decided that no criminal charges would be filed against the officers.
Flashbang grenades are poorly regulated, with inconsistent training standards across various police departments. If you find yourself in a situation where they are being deployed against you, there’s not much you can do to protect yourself from the most severe effects. Some suggest using earplugs to reduce the impact of the noise, but others warn that this could leave you vulnerable in a rapidly changing situation. The best approach is to avoid being targeted in the first place—though, given police tendencies to retaliate against peaceful protests, this is easier said than done.
Sound weapons that emit intense audio frequencies
A sound weapon resembles a large, cumbersome sound system, capable of producing noises that disorient and affect the senses. Effects from sound cannons can range from a persistent ringing in the ears, lasting for minutes or even days, to more severe reactions like headaches, nausea, dizziness, sweating, and a loss of equilibrium. In extreme cases, the damage can lead to permanent hearing impairment.
One example of a sound cannon in action occurred during protests over the death of Eric Garner, when six individuals near the device developed symptoms such as migraines, sinus pain, dizziness, facial pressure, and ear ringing. More recently, sound cannons have been deployed against demonstrators in cities such as Portland, OR; San Jose, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Columbus, OH; Charleston, SC; and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, among other locations.
If you see that law enforcement is preparing to use a sound cannon, it's wise to be alert for signs that it's about to be activated. A clue could be if the device is first used as a loudspeaker, instructing protesters to disperse from the area.
If you suspect that a sound cannon is about to be used, the best course of action is to move as far away as possible. Taking cover behind hard surfaces like brick or concrete may help deflect sound waves. You can also protect your ears with earmuffs or earplugs, as long as you're in a safe position to do so—be mindful of the importance of situational awareness in large crowds. Regular earplugs or cotton balls won’t suffice, and typical noise-canceling headphones won't do the job. Instead, use earmuffs or earplugs designed for high-level noise protection, such as those used at shooting ranges.
