A Texas startup founded by military veterans is deploying armed drones in American schools as an emergency response system against active shooters, with the technology already operational in multiple school districts.
Campus Guardian Angel has implemented drone systems in Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Texas districts in Boerne and Waco, according to company demonstrations conducted in July.
The Austin-based company, launched in December 2023 by retired Navy SEAL Bill King and defense technology entrepreneur Justin Marston, operates drones equipped with pepper spray guns, cameras, and window-breaking tips that can reach speeds up to 100 mph.
“What we’re trying to provide is that layer that can get there within seconds to be able to get the assailant doing anything except shooting children,” King said during a recent demonstration.
The system stores drones in boxes throughout school buildings. When activated by panic buttons, remote pilots from the company’s Austin command center deploy the devices within seconds. The company claims 15-second response times to reach threats.
“In a school shooting most of the death happens in the first 120 seconds so it’s really about how quickly can you get there to engage the shooter,” Marston told CBS Miami.
The drones use non-lethal methods including pepper balls, sirens and physical ramming to incapacitate threats until police arrive. The service costs $4 per student monthly, with drone units priced at $15,000 for six devices.
Florida allocated $557,000 in state funding for pilot programs covering three districts. Leon County Schools superintendent Rocky Hanna said full implementation could exceed $1 million per district.
“I think anytime you make an investment you have to think of the return on that investment,” Hanna said, noting existing security costs including deputies, monitors and detection dogs.
Texas approved $8.5 billion in public school funding this year, including $430 million specifically for safety measures.
State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, called the technology “cutting edge” after witnessing demonstrations at Lancaster Middle School in July.
“I think it’s cutting technology that needs to be considered by every school district in the state of Texas,” West said.
The company recruits former military and SWAT personnel as remote pilots, including professional drone racing champions. All pilots operate from a central Austin facility that company officials say can cover schools nationwide.
Recent demonstrations occurred at schools in Texas and Florida, with the company conducting joint training exercises with law enforcement agencies in both states.
According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, Florida has reported more than 60 school shooting incidents since 2018, ranking among the top states nationally.
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