The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has received several complaints involving the use of Orbeez gel blasters. There has been a dangerous social media trend called the “Orbeez Challenge” that encourages shooting strangers with Orbeez gel blasters. These air-powered blasters are designed to fire gel projectiles or small, water- absorbing beads. These beads sting the individual and can cause serious injury when fired from the air-powered blasters.

Many of these gel blasters resemble real-functioning firearms. There is a severe danger that a law enforcement officer could mistake one of these blasters for a real gun. That danger goes up exponentially if someone chooses to use these in a public area such as a business or school.

Law Enforcement or other citizens could mistake the Orbeez blasters for real weapons, endangering everyone involved. The sheriff’s office is concerned that people may retaliate or protect themselves, not knowing if there is a danger to themselves or others.

These gel blasters were designed to be fun for kids when used appropriately, such as in your backyard with willing participants.

It can become a criminal act punishable by law to shoot unwilling participants.