Overview

• Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt oversaw demonstrations in Berlin showing the needle-revolver’s long darts penetrating a soap block and a protective vest.
• Tonight’s Bundestag session will decide on amending the weapons law to require a special permit for needle-revolver ownership that would otherwise be freely sold.
• The Interior Ministry has approved budget provisions to purchase 2,000 Taser stun guns for the Federal Police over the next five years.
• SPD’s Daniela Behrens and Die Linke have voiced concerns about Taser safety and effectiveness, even as the police union endorses their broader use.
• Officials argue the needle-revolver’s ability to breach body armor makes it unsuitable for civilian possession under any licensing scheme.