The city of Denver has received a $50 million federal grant to beef up its security in preparation for the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 25th.

An advisor to Mayor John Hickenlooper stated that the city “plans to spend up to half that amount on equipment, with the rest going to pay officers who will be working overtime, plus additional staff requirements.

Other than reporting having ordered 88 Mark IV launchers and ammo, which is filled with “a combination of cayenne pepper and something like baby powder,” the city refused to disclose how it intends to spend the money. According to Ben Cook, director of Veritas, the powder can incapacitate someone like pepper spray does, but it doesn’t cause some of the more severe reactions. Last month the American Civil Liberties Union decided to file a civil lawsuit alleging that Denver is violating the Colorado Open Records Act.

Denver officials refused to release the information because it is “contrary to the public interest” because security could be jeopardized by disclosing tactical information. Meanwhile, speculation on how it will arm its enforcement officers has taken on bizarre proportions.

Some protest groups speculate new weaponry will incapacitate people with high-intensity sound.
Others believe Denver is investing in extended-range TASERs which can shock people at a distance, as well as function as high-powered stun guns up close.