On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., wrote the president of NonLethal Technologies, Inc. requesting a meeting after learning that the company has provided the Hong Kong police with tear gas that is now being used against protesters.
Last week, Scott returned from Hong Kong, where he met with pro-democracy leaders, business leaders and religious leaders. Scott was the first U.S. Senator to visit Hong Kong since the protests started.
Scott’s letter to Scott Oberdick, the president of NonLethal Technologies, Inc., which is based in Homer City, Pennsylvania, is below:
As a United States manufacturer, you are blessed to enjoy the many freedoms and opportunities our nation has to offer. I am sure we can agree that America is the best country in the world, with infinite possibilities. Unfortunately, that autonomy does not exist everywhere. I recently traveled to Hong Kong to meet with protesters who are fighting every day for the basic human rights that we take for granted. I heard terrible stories of police brutality, imprisonment and intimidation.
President Xi of China is a human rights violator and a Communist dictator set on world domination. I am glad the United States is finally standing up to China as they threaten the security of America and all freedom-loving nations across the globe. We must all take a stand in the fight for freedom and democracy.
During my trip, I learned how Hong Kong authorities use crowd control methods, including rubber bullets and tear gas canisters, in an inhumane manner to silence protesters. I was extremely troubled to learn that apparently your company, NonLethal Technologies, has provided the Hong Kong police with tear gas that is now being used to oppress and violate the rights of the people of Hong Kong. I saw firsthand how your products are used in a dangerous and malicious manner to intentionally harm protesters. Crowd control devices are meant to be used as a tool in specific and limited circumstances by trained law enforcement, not to be used by oppressive governments to incite violence from peaceful protesters.
Your decision to provide these types of products to Hong Kong authorities is equivalent to supporting the efforts of President Xi to harm ordinary citizens and peaceful protesters. I have reached out to your company in an effort to meet with you and discuss my concerns echoed by the global community. I write today to request you meet with me as soon as possible to discuss the impact of NonLethal Technologies in Hong Kong, and your company’s continued support for our adversary, China.
I stand with the brave men and women fighting in Hong Kong, and will always fight for freedom and democracy. I look forward to your timely response and working together to put human rights above profits.
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