The Weapon Governor was designed to deny the Infected access to personal arms. All Lasrian (and Agency soldiers) carry weapons fitted with a Governor. It is essentially a small explosive attached to the firing mechanism. When an Infected picks up the weapon, the Governor will activate, flash red for around 10 seconds before eventually detonating. Up until then the gun can be used without problem. The explosion itself does not harm Hayden if he is holding the weapon but there will be a blinding flash before it is rendered useless.