‘I hope you die’: how the Covid pandemic unleashed attacks on scientists

Re:‘I hope you die’: how the Covid pandemic unleashed attack... by poo-yie on Friday October 15, 2021 @10:55AM (#28878351)

Any police officer that recommends bear spray for self defense would be putting themselves in legal hot water as such products typically have warnings printed on them that say "Any other use of this product is in violation of federal law". I've never bought or seen a can of bear spray in person, but every can of wasp spray has such printing on it.

I agree with you on the points about increased monitoring and counseling.

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Re:‘I hope you die’: how the Covid pandemic unleashed attack... by dangerlibrary on Friday October 15, 2021 @10:58AM (#28878393)

Bear spray is indeed illegal to use on people, but so are high-velocity bullets. The courts tend to be fairly understanding in self-defense cases.

It is legal to carry in California, at least.

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Re:‘I hope you die’: how the Covid pandemic unleashed attack... by poo-yie on Friday October 15, 2021 @11:15AM (#28878638)

I agree with you. I would not hesitate to use bear spray, wasp spray, etc. for self defense when I thought that my life is in imminent danger. However, it would be foolish (IMO) for a law enforcement officer to recommend it. Also, if I were on a jury and the defendant used bear spray or wasp spray to save their own life I would certainly not vote to punish that person for what I would view as reasonable force for the situation.

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Re:‘I hope you die’: how the Covid pandemic unleashed attack... by dangerlibrary on Friday October 15, 2021 @11:23AM (#28878733)

You keep bringing up wasp spray, for reasons I don't really understand.

Bear spray is pepper spray in a different concentration, and with a different spray pattern. s/bear spray/pepper spray/ if it brings clarity to the recommendation.

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