The author of the article clearly had that or something very similar in mind when he wrote this piece. It reads exactly like that story (I had the same thought

The author of the article clearly had that or something very similar in mind when he wrote this piece. It reads exactly like that story (I had the same thought as you). It's a very good solution for people who don't know you have something like this. Clearly if the FBI (or whatever) knew of the USB kill device, they'd take a slightly different snatch and grab approach. However if the adversary doesn't think or doesn't know you have something like this, then it can be used to great effect.