‘Uber with guns’ app that allows you to hire an armed bodyguard on-demand storms the Apple chart after CEO assassination
AN APP dubbed the ‘Uber with guns’ that gives users access to on-demand bodyguards has shot through Apple’s App Store chart.
Protector, which launched late last year, is now the third highest ranking free iOS app after going viral online.
The platform lets wealthy users book armed guards, made up of a crew of either active duty or former military or law enforcement officers, for at least five hours.
In talking-head-style marketing clips on Protector’s X page, the armed guards describe histories in SWAT teams and war zones.
Users can select how many ‘protectors’ they want in their booking, and whether they want to be joined by a motorcade for an extra beefed-up presence.
The number of sleek, black Escalades that will join them is also selected by the user.
Customers can even pick the dress code of their ‘protector’: from tactical casual to a more armoured look.
Unlike Uber, Protector is currently only available in two cities in the US, New York City and Los Angeles.
It is also not yet available for Android devices.
It looks like the app is trying to appeal to the wealthy corporate professionals who were spooked by the assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4.
One promotional video, posted on January 6, “revisits” the CEO’s murder and examines “how a Protector may have changed the outcome”.
The ‘protector’ in the video then runs through a handful of imaginary scenarios where they are on hand to stop the assassin and prevent the murder.
The app is the brainchild of former Meta designer Nick Sarath, who founded Protector alongside Patrol.
Patrol is a separate app designed for scared suburbanites to pool funds together for a private-hire security presence in their neighbourhood.
More guards, more cars, as well as drones, are available for neighbourhood surveillance.
Two days after Thompson’s murder, Sarath issued a press release suggesting his Protector app could be a solution to “keep us safe” where law enforcement cannot.
“My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson,” Sarath said.
“We rely on law enforcement to keep us safe, but they cannot be everywhere at once.
“Protector is designed to support the goals of law enforcement and will provide an accessible way for people to protect themselves and their loved ones.”