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Demand for bulletproof backpacks, panels spike following Fla. shooting

WEST HARTFORD – Following the deadly Parkland, Florida shooting massacre, parents are buying bulletproof backpacks to shield their kids from gunfire. “I t...

WEST HARTFORD - Following the deadly Parkland, Florida shooting massacre, parents are buying bulletproof backpacks to shield their kids from gunfire.

“I think that the times we’re living in, it’s important to have every available aspect, everything that you can have to protect your children.”

That’s why Abiah Ruel of West Hartford, who has three kids and one on the way, is in favor of bulletproof backpack panels like

They’re sold by her martial arts instructor, Darin Reisler, of Plus One Defense Systems. He also runs an online and store front business selling tactical products called The Tactical Boutique.

“So the backpack panel is a bulletproof panel that can fit inside a backpack,” Darin said. “It can fit inside a small backpack. There’s a couple different sizes. Or a larger backpack.”

Michigan-based manufacturer, Bulletsafe, said they’ve sold three times the normal number of bulletproof panels in February.

They’re currently out of stock.

The company’s president says he designed them with his kids in mind following the sandy hook shooting.

“So if you have danger coming from this direction and you lift up the bag and you have the bulletproof panel here and you lift up the bag and you have books, you have all of these other things that are helping to protect you,” Reisler said.

Similar products such as bulletproof backpacks are also seeing a spike in sales nationwide.

Florida-based Guard Dog Security said they sold 6 months worth of merchandise within three days of the Parkland, Florida shooting.

“I would definitely consider it,” said Kesheia Drayton. “Especially, for the kids.”

The backpack panels are not just for kids. Adults can use them as well. They can fit into a variety of backpacks, purses and other backs.

Bulletproof backpacks can also be used by adults.

While both products protect against hand guns, they don’t stop a bullet from a rifle like an a-r 15, which has been used in many mass shootings.

These types of products can also be expensive.

But Reisler, who is also a former police officer, said they’re worth it.

“We’re empowering people to let them know that they have options and that you can defend themselves,” Reisler said.

“If you can get a small panel that fits inside their backpack to give you peace of mind to give them peace of mind, I think it’s worth it,” Ruel said.

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