Tear gas is banned from war — but police still shoot it at protesters, who cough and bleed as a result.
Police have fired tear gas into crowds of people protesting across the US this week, from Washington DC, to California, Minneapolis, and Illinois, as Americans speak out against the death of George Floyd.
Human rights experts say the use of tear gas on civilians should be a weapon of last resort, not an everyday occurrence.
Tear gas is especially dangerous for children, people with breathing issues, and the elderly.
Tear gas canisters can cause permanent injuries. At least one protester had his eye taken out this week.
Police have dispatched tear gas on crowds across the US this week.
On Monday evening, shortly before the president emerged from the White House for a photo op, tear gas was dispersed on peaceful crowds gathering nearby to protest the death of George Floyd, and the systemic issues of police brutality that his death represents.
Tear gas has also been fired at crowds out in California, Minneapolis, and Illinois. Some of the injuries the projectile irritant is causing cannot be repaired with fresh air and cold water.
Balin Brake, a 21-year-old Indiana Tech student, lost his right eye after a tear gas canister hit his face during a protest in Fort Wayne over the weekend.