Bill King and Mithril Defense partner with schools across three states to deploy pepper-spraying drones to combat active shooters.
Schools in Georgia, Florida, and Colorado are adopting a new drone-based security system to respond to active shooter threats. The drones, manufactured by Austin-based Mithril Defense, are equipped with pepper spray, sirens, and the ability to ram into targets at 60 mph. Co-founder Bill King, a retired Navy SEAL, noted that the drones are designed to keep shooters occupied until authorized responders arrive. While the technology is inspired by drone usage in the Ukraine war, some critics argue that the drones are a reactive measure rather than a preventative one. For example, Tony Montalto, a parent of a student killed in a 2018 mass shooting, expressed concern that the focus should remain on prevention. The program is being funded by state legislatures in Georgia and Florida, with Florida's investment reaching over $1.1 million. The drones can be activated by teachers via an app or panic buttons, allowing for a quick response that can reach a shooter within 15 seconds.