In Lebanon this week, the powerful display of the damage devices can do when directed to do so must terrify security and health professionals in the United States.  Thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in Lebanon on 17 and 18 September 2024 killing scores and injuring hundreds, maybe more.

Weaponizing ordinary devices by inserting code, receptors or explosives into devices requires planning and preparation as well as access to the devices.

Is there an entity with the intent to harm US interests that is also capable of using battery powered devices to do so?

In April 2024, FBI Director Christopher Ray told the Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats in Nashville, “The PRC [People’s Republic of China] has made it clear that it considers every sector that makes our society run as fair game in its bid to dominate on the world stage, and that its plan is to land low blows against civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic and break America’s will to resist.”

“As of 2024, there are 855,860 registered drones in the United States by the FAA.”  “DJI is the largest consumer drone manufacturer (based in the PRC), with 54% global market share in 2024 and 80% in the US market.”

(USA Drone Statistics 2024 | 200+ Trends & Facts For 2024 (skykam.co.uk))

Many drones may go unregistered.

PRC operatives appear to have the capability to use drones to inflict explosive harm.  Bigger batteries from the PRC and the metal around them in mobile electric vehicles could do more harm.  Many high school football stadiums, concert venues, and shopping centers allow drive up access.  Even bigger batteries from the PRC installed adjacent US power plants and transformer stations suggest the capability to trigger devastating disruption.  Do PRC operatives have the intent to use such capabilities?  The PRC has said they do.

Do Americans want to call a possible bluff?

In the context of what may be truly existential, US policy makers may want to consider slowing the adoption of electrical vehicles.  Campaign news reporters should ask our candidates for President what they plan.