An electric rifle, also known as a TASER (an acronym for Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle), is a non-lethal weapon that uses electrical current to incapacitate a target. It works by firing two small probes that are connected to the gun by insulated wires. The probes deliver an electrical shock to the target, causing them to become temporarily paralyzed. The electric rifle is often used by law enforcement and military personnel as a less-than-lethal alternative to firearms.