Sam Boughedda

Axon Enterprise, a company based in Arizona that designs technology and weapons products announced Monday it was suspending a project which would have seen drones fitted with stun guns to fight mass shootings.

Axon revealed that they were developing a drone which could be used by police officers who are trained to use it for firing a Taser.

According to the company, however, “in the light of feedback,” they have decided to halt work on the project and to refocus their efforts to continue engaging with key constituencies in order to find the best route forward.

Reuters reported that a member from Axon’s AI Ethics Board claimed the potential of a taser-drone project had driven a departure of the panel. Wael Almageed, an ethics board member, revealed to Reuters that he had resigned with eight other colleagues.

“It is unfortunate that some members of Axon’s ethics advisory panel have chosen to withdraw from directly engaging on these issues before we heard or had a chance to address their technical questions,” Axon said in its press release.

They said, “We are respectful of their decision and will continue looking for diverse perspectives to challenge and guide us in other technological options we should consider.”