Argentine Security Minister Collapses During Voluntary Test of New Electroshock Police Glove
In a dramatic public demonstration of new law enforcement technology, Juan Pablo Quinteros, the Security Minister of Córdoba, Argentina, volunteered to be the test subject for a new electroshock glove being adopted by the provincial police force. The trial, captured on video, shows the official visibly struggling and grimacing in pain as the device is activated, causing immediate neuromuscular incapacitation. Quinteros required assistance from nearby officers to remain standing as the electrical current coursed through his body, highlighting the immediate physical impact of the weaponry.
The demonstration was part of the Córdoba government’s broader initiative to equip the “Guardia Urbana” (Urban Guard) and provincial police with “less-lethal” tools. The specific device tested acts as a stun gauntlet, delivering a high-voltage, low-amperage shock intended to subdue aggressive individuals without the use of firearms. This acquisition is part of a larger security package that includes Byrna compressed-air launchers and pepper-ball munitions, reflecting a shift in regional security strategy toward intermediate force options amidst rising concerns over crime rates in the province.
However, the adoption of electroshock weaponry has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations and political opponents. Objections center on the classification of these devices as “non-lethal,” with critics arguing that “less-lethal” is a more accurate descriptor due to the inherent risks involved. Advocacy groups warn that electroshock devices pose serious dangers to individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, pregnant women, or those under the influence of narcotics. Furthermore, detractors argue that such handheld shock devices lower the threshold for police use of force and carry a high potential for abuse, including their use as instruments of torture or coercion in uncontrolled environments, distinct from the controlled setting of the minister’s demonstration.
