What Is ‘Bomb Robot’ Used To Kill Dallas Police Sniper?

The Dallas Police Department became the first police department to use a “bomb robot” to kill an armed suspect.

What Is Dallas ‘Bomb Robot’

Over the weekend, suspect Micah Johnson had shot and killed five police officers and injured half a dozen others in Dallas during a Black Lives Matter protest. Police tracked him down, and entered negotiations with him. After two hours, the negotiations proved futile, with Johnson continuing to fire at the officers. It was determined that in order to prevent the deaths of more officers or civilians, the best option would be to send in a robot affixed with a bomb.

In a statement, the Dallas Police Department confirmed that they had placed an explosive device of C4 plus “det” cord into the claw and arm extension of the Remotec, Model F-5 robot.

“When all attempts to negotiate with the suspect, Micah Johnson, failed under the exchange of gunfire, the department utilized the mechanical tactical robot, as a last resort, to deliver an explosion device to save the lives of officers and citizens,” read a statement from the department.

While some have criticized Dallas police for using the robot to kill Johnson, police chief David Brown has stood by the decision. “We had no choice in my mind but to use all tools necessary,” he told CNN. “Without our actions he would have hurt more officers. I approved it and would do it again if presented with the same circumstances. I appreciate critics, but they’re not on the ground and their lives are not at risk.”