The internet erupted into conspiracy theories over the weekend when it was discovered that Social Security purchased over 100,000 hollow point bullets. Some websites claimed the agency was preparing for mass social unrest. The bullets turn out to be for the inspector general’s office, which make arrest for Social Security fraud. The hollow point bullets are to be used to train the 295 agents who carry guns when making the arrests. Many bloggers wondered why hollow point bullets were needed, which cause greater tissue damage to the body.
“Six hundred rounds per year for training, qualification and I would assume to carry on duty is not out of line at all,” said John W. Worden, director of the University of Missouri’s Law Enforcement Training Institute. “Hollow points are carried by law enforcement all over the country and are probably the preferred type of ammo no matter what caliber.” The clamor for answers got so great that the agency needed to create a website explaining why it was purchasing the ammunition.