Manufacturers of bulletproof backpacks have toldInsider that they’re experiencing an increased demand for bulletproof backpacks after the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday 24 May.
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Soaring demand for bulletproof backpacks
Four companies that make bulletproof equipment said they've witnessed an immediate rise in customers searching for and purchasingbulletproof backpacks since the shooting.
Guard Dog Security is one of those companies. It makes and distributes a variety of self-defence products and says they're 'seeing an increase' in customers interested in bulletproof backpacks, which can be used as a shield in the event of a shooting.
MC Armor Company is another. It manufactures 'ballistic-proof personal protective gear and accessories' and has experienced an increased interest in bulletproof equipment for kids. It also manufactures products like bulletproof whiteboards and doors for classrooms.
Carolina Ballesteros, MC Armor's marketing manager, told Insider that customers from across the United States have been searching for and buying a bulletproof backpack insert. Ballesteros said:
Normally our regular customers don't look for the inserts for backpacks if it's not back to school, but since yesterday 20% of our website visits and calls are for this product.
We are always making awareness of the training and security for schools but sadly it is just at a moment of a tragedy that they look for it.
There's no reason a child's backpack should EVER HAVE TO BE BULLETPROOF. Why should a child be paranoid about their life going to SCHOOL. pic.twitter.com/MwVaTaJDjv
— Bella Katt 💚Green Geckos💚 (@BellaKattt) May 27, 2022
A backpack that turns into a bulletproof vest
Former Secret Service agent and founder and CEO of Leatherback Gear, Mike De Geus,says his company has witnessed an 800% spike in sales for their fortified knapsacks after the shooting, as reported by TMZ. Their Sport One Jr. backpack, which retails for $249.99, separates into two pieces, creating an instant bulletproof vest, shielding the user's front and back.
Julie McCuen, chief operating officer at Leatherback Gear, said this rise in sales is typical. He told Insider:
People react and seek out something to make them feel safer after the fact.
While we wish that this wasn't something we as parents needed to think about, recent history reveals that it is very much a threat to our children that we need to take seriously and make every attempt to be proactive about.
Just as we educate and prepare our children in school for what to do in the event of a fire, we now must do the same for an active shooter.
Meanwhile, TuffyPacks owner Steve Naremore says its armour backpack inserts are being shipped across the US with sales up 300%, as reported by TMZ.
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