During a street-side interview with a local news station in San Jose, California, the mayor was approached by a man who became aggressively confrontational with both the mayor and the news crew. The situation escalated quickly, but the mayor’s personal security—an undercover San Jose police officer—intervened. The man attacked the officer, and a prolonged struggle ensued until additional officers arrived to assist. The plainclothes officer sustained multiple injuries during the altercation and required overnight hospitalization for treatment.

If the officer had been equipped with a Byrna, the encounter might have played out very differently. The non-lethal device would have provided the officer with an appropriate level of force to control the situation, potentially subduing the aggressor without engaging in a physical fight. At the time, the officer was only armed with a pistol, which would have been considered excessive force since the suspect hadn't posed a lethal threat.

In this scenario, the officer could have drawn a Byrna launcher as soon as the suspect began showing signs of verbal aggression. The mere presence of the launcher could have de-escalated the situation, deterring the suspect from advancing further. If necessary, the officer could have used it to incapacitate the attacker without resorting to lethal measures, ensuring the mayor's safety.

A Byrna provides the ability to address potential threats early, preventing situations from spiraling out of control. By using it, you can protect yourself, defuse confrontations, and avoid injury. Stay smart, stay safe, and be ready to defend yourself .