Like Uber, but with guns: New rideshare with armed drivers is coming to 3 Texas cities

A new rideshare service with drivers who are armed with guns is expanding into the Lone Star State.

BlackWolf is expanding into Dallas, Austin and Houston, Texas by the end of this year or the start of 2025. The company is looking to hire 50 drivers, company founder Kerry KingBrown told Paste BN on Friday.

KingBrown launched BlackWolf in May 2023, first introducing the service in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, the rideshare is offered in Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Miami, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; and Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. To date, BlackWolf has more than 300,000 users.

The inspiration to create BlackWolf stemmed from an encounter KingBrown had with a female client − he's worked as a security contractor and private investigator − who claimed she suffered from sex trafficking. KingBrown said he then became interested in creating a rideshare dedicated to the safety of its passengers.

Like Uber and Lyft, BlackWolf takes users to and from their destinations of choice, except with an armed driver, if passengers wish.

As for expanding into Texas, KingBrown said that BlackWolf "identified a significant increase in human trafficking" in the state. Recognizing the "urgent need," the company decided to expand into the state.

KingBrown did not indicate a price point for BlackWolf services. He said the rideshare prices are dependent on ride mileage and duration.

Are all drivers armed?

No, BlackWolf offers two service levels and only one − BlackWolf Armed − features armed drivers.

BlackWolf Premium offers transportation in "premium sedans and SUVs with high-end finishes for a refined journey," according to the BlackWolf website.

KingBrown said the company is looking to add a third service soon: BlackWolf Comfort, which will operate more like traditional rideshares in "everyday vehicles."

Military, law enforcement or security experience required

According to the BlackWolf website, the rideshare only hires drivers with at least four years of military, law enforcement and/or security experience. Armed drivers must meet additional qualifications, such as an active security license in the state where they operate.

KingBrown told Paste BN that Black Wolf's screening process is confidential and screening specifics vary, as they are dependent on state regulations.

"We perform a comprehensive background check and thoroughly review all documentation from law enforcement and military agencies," KingBrown said.

Strict vehicle requirements

Drivers who apply for BlackWolf must meet vehicle requirements, too. A full list of eligible vehicles is available on the BlackWolf website, but all drivers must have a vehicle that is from 2018 or later.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at Paste BN. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.