MAY 2023 - Blues Vol 39 No. 5

ecognition systems to

ecognition systems to make sure only authorized users can arm the firearm. . Authorized users can instantly unlock the firearm just by picking it up - no codes, buttons, or gadgets required. Several prominent firearms and safety influencers have been able to test the Smart Gun already. Here’s one detailed review by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons [LINK]. HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MASS SHOOTINGS IN AMERICA? Since many mass shootings are carried out using legally obtained firearms, it is unlikely that this smart gun alone will effectively prevent mass shootings in America. However, many minors do misuse their parents’ firearms to commit school shootings and mass shootings. This new smart gun’s locking mechanism could potentially have stopped a school shooters likeAdam Lanza, who used his mother’s firearm to murder 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. WHO MADE THE SMART GUN? Biofire is a team of gun owners, engineers, and parents developing innovative new solutions to keep their loved ones safe based near Denver, CO. Biofire’s CEO, Kai Kloep- fer, began work on the Smart Gun more than almost 10 years ago. After raising millions in venture funding and building a team of nearly 40 top engineers and other experts, the Smart Gun itself finally emerged from stealth and publicly launched for reservations on April 13th, 2023. BOTTOM LINE The introduction of this new smart gun by Biofire could offer a solution to some of the issues surrounding firearm safety and gun violence. Its fingerprint and facial recognition sensor can absolutely help reduce accidental shootings, gun theft, and the use of firearms by criminals. While this new technology may not solve the issue of mass shootings, it can still benefit responsible gun owners and increase safety for everyone, especially at home with kids. “We’re not claiming that the Biofire Smart Gun is going to prevent every instance of firearm misuse. But we do believe this tool can help prevent some firearm suicides, accidents, and injuries from occurring,” Kloepfer said. 80 The BLUES The BLUES 81