Pentagon Reportedly Lends DHS 'Heat Ray' Weapon for Testing at US-Mexico Border
Photo: The Guardian USDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly signed a memo last month authorizing the Pentagon to lend the Department of Homeland Security a non-lethal "heat ray" for testing and possible use at the US-Mexico border. The memo, first obtained by CNN, approves a temporary loan of the Active Denial System for seven months beginning in September, and DHS can request further use if needed. The military-grade system fires an invisible beam of electromagnetic energy that causes an intense burning sensation on the skin, reaching from nearly 3,300 feet away. A 2009 National Defense University case study said it prompts reflexive movement such as ducking or running. A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said the agency is continually evaluating new technology that can save lives while strengthening national security. It is unclear exactly how DHS plans to use the system.
Alternative outlet Straight Arrow News leads with the weapon's effect and range, describing a burning feeling from far away. The Guardian US, a left-leaning outlet, focuses on Hegseth's memo, the loan terms, the CBP statement and the Pentagon's referral of questions to DHS. Both sides report the loan. Right-leaning outlets had not reported the story at the time of writing, while left-leaning and alternative outlets had.
How the sides differ Left sources detail the memo, Hegseth's authorization and CBP's statement; alternative sources stress the weapon's burning sensation and range; right sources have not covered it.
Headline, comparison and summary written by AI from the articles below. AI can make mistakes, so check the original articles before relying on a detail.
The Guardian US leads with Hegseth's reported memo and the loan's terms, citing CNN, a 2009 defense study and a CBP statement, and notes DHS's plans are unclear.
Straight Arrow News leads with the weapon's effect, an invisible beam causing a burning sensation from nearly 3,300 feet, and frames it as a Pentagon loan to DHS.
Not covering this story. None of the right-leaning outlets Crosswire tracks has reported it yet. What one side leaves out can be as telling as what the others report.