{
  "id": 16010878,
  "title": "America's War Department Will Test Heat Ray Weapon For Potential Use",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/americas-war-department-will-test-heat-ray-weapon-for-potential-use",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Slashdot",
    "slug": "slashdot",
    "url": "https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/10/22/0020206/americas-war-department-will-test-heat-ray-weapon-for-potential-use"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Department of Homeland Security has received authorization from the Pentagon to conduct tests on a military-grade heat ray weapon, with the goal of incorporating it into potential operations along the southern United States border, according to a memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and obtained by CNN. The heat ray, scientifically referred to as the Active Denial System, emits a nonlethal beam of electromagnetic waves that can propagate up to half a mile, according to US military sources. This energy beam generates a burning sensation on human skin, comparable to standing near a hot oven, according to Pentagon officials. The beam's effect typically lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, inducing a compelling urge to flee the area.",
  "summary": "Longtime Slashdot reader destinyland shares a report from CNN: The Pentagon has given the Department of Homeland Security permission to test a military-grade heat ray and develop tactics to potentially use it in operations at the southern US border, according to a memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month and obtained by CNN. The heat ray, officially known as the Active Denial…",
  "key_points": [
    "DHS authorized to test military heat ray weapon",
    "Active Denial System emits nonlethal electromagnetic beam",
    "Beam causes burning sensation on skin for 10-15 minutes"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Deploying nonlethal electromagnetic technology at the southern border signals a shift toward using directed energy weapons as a primary tool for managing human movement and crowd control.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}