"We live in a time when unthinkable mass violence is becoming more commonplace. We need the option to be able to save lives in the event we have that type of tragedy in our city."
The change in the city's rules will mean "robots could be used to deliver an explosive charge to breach a structure containing a violent or armed subject.
"The charge would be used to incapacitate or disorient a violent, armed, or dangerous subject who presents a risk of loss of life.
"Robots equipped in this manner would only be used to save or prevent further loss of innocent lives."
But the reassurances were not enough to assuage fears of a future that resembles the movie "Terminator" or the dystopian tech TV show "Black Mirror."
"Nope. Nope. Nope. and NOPE," tweeted @doggieLB
"And when it 'malfunctions' like EVERY computer has done. Who gets held accountable?" wrote @Numbor1dad on Twitter. -- AFP
