Sponge grenade


A sponge grenade is a riot control weapon, intended to be non-lethal, which is fired from a 40 mm grenade launcher to cause confusion, or otherwise temporarily disable its target. As a single blunt force object, it is best used when aimed at a particular individual.
The projectile weighs about 28 grams. It is bullet-shaped, with a foam rubber nose and a high-density, plastic projectile body.
, November 2013

Potential for injury or death

If used improperly—such as at distances closer than 10 metres—injuries to the targeted individual could prove fatal. Used properly, the weapon is intended to cause no permanent damage, but may, in some cases, cause broken bones, head wounds or permanent damage to eyes. Sponge grenades impacting the upper body or head have killed targeted individuals.

Use around the world

Israel

Israel has deployed sponge grenade against Palestinian protesters on several occasions.

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Police Force has deployed sponge grenades as a riot control tool on several occasions in July 2019 during the anti-extradition protests.

United States

Sponge grenades were used by some police departments during the George Floyd Protests in the summer of 2020 and were cited as being one of the most common types of less-lethal rounds employed,. In some cases protesters were struck in the head or face by the rounds, causing serious injury.