Claims of a sonic weapon being used against Australian protesters have been circling social media. Thousands gathered in Canberra last weekend to protest COVID-19 mandates. The police were armed with long-range acoustic devices (LRADs), which are used to transmit messages or alarms at high volumes and frequencies. Many protestors reported they felt ill after the devise was used against the crowds. Some stated they had headaches, hearing loss and what felt like severe sun damage. Are LRAD's safe? These devices were used during the 2009 G-20 Summit which resulted in the city of of Pittsburgh agreeing to pay more than $200,000 to settle two cases. One of the claimants, University of Missouri English professor Karen Piper, suffered permanent hearing loss and nerve damage. "I am grateful that my case will serve as a deterrent to future users of the LRAD," said Piper. "The LRAD should have no place on our American streets."

sovren.media