Object

Tear Gas Canister (Non‑Lethal Crowd‑Control Munition)

An unnamed, offstage canister invoked as a non‑lethal tactical munition: no model, marking, or physical detail appears in the script. Characters describe a small, launchable projectile intended to be fired or put through windows to deliver chemical irritant. The device exists as a planning artifact—talked about in clipped, tactical terms—and its mention tightens the room, provoking moral pushback and tactical debate among advisors rather than physical handling or display.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E7 · The State Dinner

Force vs. Fragility: The Negotiation Decision

Tear gas is proposed aloud as a non‑lethal tactic — specifically suggested by the tactical advocates as a way to force occupants out — serving as the concrete operational counterpoint to Mandy's public‑opinion argument.

Before: Available as a planning artifact (discussed as a possible munition) but not deployed.

After: Remains an option on the table; decision made to attempt negotiation first, so it is not used immediately.

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S1E7 · The State Dinner

Choosing Restraint: Bartlet Backs Negotiation

Tear gas is proposed as a concrete, non-lethal tactical option by a military adviser to force occupants from the house; its mention catalyzes Mandy's public-opinion objection and transforms the debate from tactical feasibility to moral optics.

Before: A hypothetical, offstage non‑lethal munition discussed as an available tactical tool by advisers.

After: Remains a planned option but is deprioritized in favor of negotiation following the President's decision; not physically deployed in this scene.

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