The NYPD is taking guns that fire 'gel water beads' off of the streets

The New York City Police Department is taking "bead blasters" off of the streets.

The NYPD posted a tweet on Thursday which noted that the devices, which fire "gel water beads," may not be lawfully possessed.

"Bead Blasters shoot gel water beads that are propelled by a spring-loaded air pump, which makes them an air rifle. It is a VIOLATION to possess an air rifle in NYC under NYC Admin Code 10-131(b)(1) - Unlawful Possession of an Air Rifle. Violators will be issued a C-summons and the weaponwill be vouchered as arrest evidence," the post declared.

The NYPD issued a tweet on Friday that featured the pictures of several bead blasters that authorities had recently seized. "Yesterday, officers encountered individuals carrying these bead blasters. They were confiscated, and summonses were issued," the tweet noted.

The 121st Precinct issued a tweet on Friday announcing that "[l]ast night, great work by our public safety officers whom removed an Orbeez gun off of our streets. These Bead Blasters shoot gel water beads propelled by a spring-loaded air pump, making them an air rifle. Air rifles are a violation in NYC & are unlawful to possess."

A tweet that the NYPD posted on Saturday showed several guns and noted, "All 3 of these guns were recently removed from NYC streets, and despite their looks, only 1 of them is real. The other 2 are bead blasters. Possession of bead blasters is unlawful and a violation in NYC. Another example of the NYPD's ongoing effort to keep our communities safe."

New York City continues to face serious crime problems. Crimes such as robbery, burglary, and grand larceny were substantially higher in June 2022 than in June 2021, according to crime statistics.

New York City councilwoman Vickie Paladino tweeted on Sunday, "I know that people elsewhere in the country may see this and think it’s ridiculous to confiscate a toy. But please try to understand the level of chaos in NYC right now. These toys are being used to harass and assault police officers and bystanders. The NYPD must reign this in."

"Believe me when I tell you, the NYPD would rather not have to even think about Orbeez. But sadly the blame is once again on our lax criminal justice system and weak progressive prosecutors and politicians who’ve cultivated this culture of lawlessness we’re now suffering through," Paladino declared in another tweet.