A new ridesharing app called Black Wolf has recently entered the market in Atlanta and New York, aiming to compete with established players like Uber and Lyft. However, a distinct feature sets Black Wolf apart: the drivers of these vehicles are armed with guns.
Kerry King Brown, the founder of Black Wolf, defended this controversial decision, describing it as a “necessary evil” born out of the escalating concerns regarding personal safety in a country grappling with a seemingly never-ending wave of mass shootings and instances of gun violence. In an interview with a local news station in Atlanta, Georgia, Brown stated, “What I’m creating is a necessary evil. It’s a necessity.”
Following its launch last week, Black Wolf gained significant attention after going viral on Reddit over the weekend. The service is marketed as “executive protection” for individuals who harbor fears about their safety. While Black Wolf did not respond to questions emailed on Saturday, the company informed Atlanta First News that drivers undergo background checks and receive training in de-escalation techniques to handle confrontations that may arise during rides.
According to Brown, who claims experience as a private investigator and bodyguard, many of Black Wolf’s drivers come from military and security backgrounds. Atlanta First News even aired a clip suggesting that Brown had worked as a bodyguard for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a controversial congresswoman. However, Brown has not provided further details in response to inquiries.
Upon examining the Black Wolf app, available for free on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, there are three distinct services: Armed Executive Protection, Unarmed Executive Protection, and School Executive Protection. The inclusion of the school-based option aims to position the service as a means of ensuring safer transportation for children attending school.
While Black Wolf’s introduction may stir debate and raise questions about the implications of armed rideshare drivers, it reflects a response to the prevailing climate of concern surrounding personal security. The decision to provide armed protection introduces a new dimension to the ridesharing industry and forces a reckoning with the ongoing discussions about gun violence and safety measures.
