DHS granted permission to test heat ray weapon at border

(CNN, KYMA) - The Pentagon is letting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) test a heat ray, according to a memo Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed last month.

It says DHS could determine whether or how to use the military-grade device along the southern border.

Current and former Customs and Border Protection officials said they know of past discussions about using heat rays for crowd dispersal.

The Pentagon said they cause a tingling, burning sensation that prompts people to run.

A former U.S. official familiar with the matter said the first Trump Administration debated using one on U.S. protesters after George Floyd's death.