diff --git a/code/datums/elements/plant_backfire.dm b/code/datums/elements/plant_backfire.dm
index b9a2000ffe4..37887dc5d60 100644
--- a/code/datums/elements/plant_backfire.dm
+++ b/code/datums/elements/plant_backfire.dm
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@
 	SIGNAL_HANDLER
 
 	var/mob/living/thrower = arguments[4] // the 4th arg = the mob throwing our item
-	if(!thrower.is_holding(source))
+	if(!istype(thrower) || !thrower.is_holding(source))
 		return
 	if(!backfire(source, thrower))
 		return