16 July 2025

As combat drones transform the global battlefield, Campus Guardian Angel—an Austin, Texas-based startup—is proving drones also can be protectors, specifically for children facing deadly and terrifying "active shooter" situations in their schools.

"What we're trying to provide is that layer that can get there within seconds to be able to get the assailant doing anything except shooting children," said Campus Guardian Angel Chief Tactical Officer Bill King.

The sentinel-like drones can be stored at schools all year, waiting to spring into action if a threat arises. Each Campus Guardian Angel drone has a camera, window-shattering metal tips, and a modified paintball gun deployed to fire pepper rounds. The drone can also zoom up to 100 mph and ram an assailant—hopefully with enough force to incapacitate them until law enforcement can rush in and apprehend the shooter.

Drones can also be "stupidly brave" and confront someone firing off rounds.

"If we get shot, we don't care, we're just a lump of plastic," said Campus Guardian Angel CEO Justin Marston.

The company claims the majority of school-shooting victims are injured or killed within two minutes. The Campus Guardian Angel system is allegedly designed to challenge shooters within approximately 15 seconds. Once an attacker is quickly "engaged," a dispatch center can provide first responders with critical location information and threat assessments via two-way speakers on the drones.

Texas recently approved a $8.5 billion funding package for its public schools, and $430 million was earmarked for school safety—a great relief for school children and an opportunity for innovative drone companies such as Campus Guardian Angel.

"I have never seen anything like this before," said State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) on seeing a demostration of Campus Guardian Angel in action. "I think it's cutting technology that needs to be considered by every school district in the state of Texas."

See the Drone "Sentries" in Action