Executive Summary
- House Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee have opened an investigation into DHS use of less-lethal weapons.
- The probe was prompted by reports of severe injuries, including blindness, sustained by protesters in California.
- Lawmakers cited controversial recordings of a former Border Patrol commander authorizing aggressive force.
- The committee is demanding a full inventory of weapons and copies of all use-of-force reports.
Democratic members of the House Homeland Security Committee have initiated a formal investigation into the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) arsenal and deployment of “less lethal” weapons. The inquiry, launched Friday, follows a series of reports detailing severe injuries sustained by civilians during recent protests, including demonstrations regarding the death of Renee Good.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (Miss.), the ranking Democrat on the panel, spearheaded the action via a letter to the DHS, which was co-signed by Reps. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.). The correspondence characterizes the agency’s current posture as “rotten,” alleging that law enforcement personnel are utilizing force in a manner that endangers public safety. The lawmakers specifically cited “lawless and aggressive enforcement operations” that purportedly involve the improper use of munitions against individuals engaging in First Amendment activities.
The committee’s letter explicitly demands a comprehensive inventory of all less-lethal weapons maintained by the DHS, along with manufacturer instructions for their operation. Furthermore, the lawmakers have requested copies of all use-of-force reports where such weapons were deployed by DHS personnel. As of the time of reporting, the DHS has not issued a response to the request for comment.
The investigation highlights specific instances of significant bodily harm. Kaden Rummler, 21, informed CBS News that he faces permanent vision loss in his left eye after being struck by a less-lethal round at close range during a protest in California. Rummler stated that the projectile—comprising plastic, metal, and glass—penetrated his eye, with shrapnel remaining lodged near his carotid artery. Similarly, Britain Rodriguez told The Los Angeles Times that he was blinded in one eye by a similar round at the same event, describing the impact as feeling like an explosion.
The inquiry also addresses controversial remarks attributed to Greg Bovino, a former Border Patrol “commander at large” who has since been demoted. According to recordings cited in the investigation, Bovino allegedly discussed procuring massive quantities of less-lethal munitions and authorized agents to use force against anyone who touched an officer. The recorded comments suggested that permission for such tactics came from “all the way to the top,” with Bovino reportedly telling agents, “It’s all about us now. It ain’t about them.”
Legislative Oversight and Public Safety Implications
This investigation underscores the intensifying scrutiny regarding the militarization of domestic law enforcement and the operational protocols governing crowd control. By demanding granular data on weapon inventories and use-of-force reports, the committee aims to determine whether systemic policy failures or individual misconduct are driving the reported injuries. The outcome of this probe could lead to stricter statutory definitions regarding “less lethal” classifications and mandate more rigorous training standards for federal agents interacting with civilian demonstrators. It is important to note that while serious allegations of misconduct have been raised, all individuals and officials referenced in the inquiry are presumed innocent of any criminal wrongdoing until proven guilty in a court of law.
