Tactical Team's Flashbang

Tactical team leader Mike Casper briefs President Bartlet and Leo on the flashbang, a compact non-lethal grenade that detonates with a piercing blast and searing white light to blind and stun targets. The team plans to deploy it through windows during the breach, coordinating with C-4 charges. Bartlet nods approval as the device shifts the operation from negotiation to urgent assault.

2 appearances

Purpose

Disorient and incapacitate occupants non-lethally through intense sound and flash during building breach.

Significance

Bartlet authorizes the flashbang's use in a desperate rescue for a boy denied heart medication, marking his pivot from caution to action and underscoring the human stakes that override protocol.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E4 · The Red Mass

Presidential Greenlight: Explosive Rescue for a Sick Boy

Flashbangs are explained as the non-lethal disorientation device the assault team will deploy through windows; their described flash-and-bang effect justifies the team's use of protective goggles and ear protection.

Before: Part of the assault team's inventory and tactical plan; discussed in the Situation Room briefing.

After: Authorized for deployment; preparation and loading for the raid are implied to follow the briefing.

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S4E4 · The Red Mass

Yosef's Shadow

Flashbangs are described as the non-lethal stun device intended to disorient occupants; their imminent use is part of the decision calculus that convinces the President to authorize rapid entry.

Before: Described and justified during the briefing as the chosen stun device; in the custody of the tactical unit.

After: Cleared for deployment as part of the assault plan; slated to be used by the entry team.

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