America’s Malls & Schools Remain Soft Targets Where Law-Abiding Americans Should Be Allowed to Protect Themselves & Others

West Bend, WI – The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which is the country’s largest and fastest growing association whose sole focus is the responsibly armed American, said today that in the wake of this latest attack in a so-called “gun-free zone” in Jacksonville, all Americans should have the right to defend themselves whether at home, at school or at mall:

“This was sadly another attack by a clearly deranged individual and we pray for the victims and their families. As we learn more about the individual who perpetrated this attack and the details surrounding it, our nation is once again having a conversation about gun violence and how we can stop future attacks, particularly as our schools re-open around the country for a new year. It’s my hope the critical role of concealed carry rights can play in incidents like this and the abject failure of so-called ‘gun-free zones’ will be part of that conversation.

“Like many other scenes of gun violence in the past, Jackson Landing was a ‘gun-free zone,’ which did nothing to stop an evildoer bent on violence, but which prevented law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves and others. We don’t know if an ordinary citizen with a concealed carry permit could have stopped this attack, but we do know that once again this feel-good policy did nothing to protect innocent lives. Read more

Available for Comment on Today’s Report in New York Times

West Bend, WI – The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which is the country’s largest and fastest growing association whose sole focus is the responsibly armed American, said today that with childen across the country returning to school all options should be on the table to allow teachers to defend themselves and others.

The New York Times reports today that a proposal under consideration would allow Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, to approve any state or district plans to use grant funding for firearms and firearm training.  A subsequent report by CNN said Trump Administration officials pushed back on the report stating that the department received a letter from the Texas state Department of Education asking if the funds from a federal grant program could be used to purchase firearms. While no action was taken by the Department, DeVos thinks that Congress should take action to clarify whether using the grant funding to buy guns is permissible

Tim Schmidt, the President and Founder of the USCCA, who has been a vocal supporter for allowing trained teachers to protect themselves, made the following statement:

“Too many lives have been lost because murderous maniacs know that schools are soft targets where the teachers and students inside don’t have the ability to protect themselves.   Our government should be doing everything possible to protect our children and that includes allowing, and supporting, trained, licensed teachers and administrators to arm themselves.  In countless situations across this country, concealed-carry permit holders have been the front lines of defense against evildoers because they have the necessary knowledge, training and experience to protect those around them.  In an emergency situation, seconds matter and a well-trained, responsible gun owner can save lives in an active-shooter situation. 

“A number of school districts across the country in states like South Dakota, Texas and elsewhere are already allowing trained school officials with concealed carry permits to protect themselves and others while at work.  The federal government should be supporting those efforts and ensuring every possible option is being considered to keep our children safe.” Read more

BELLEVUE, WA – A federal district court judge in Michigan has allowed a Second Amendment Foundation lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to move forward, challenging the agency’s requirement that foster parents keep firearms and ammunition locked up, so as not to be immediately accessible, and thus useless for self-defense.

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PepperBall launchers provide highly effective personal protection at home, during recreation, at school and in the workplace. PepperBall LifeLite accurately propels small, non-lethal plastic projectiles filled with potent pepper powder, quickly disabling assailants.

LAKE FOREST, IL  — United Tactical Systems, developer of the world’s leading non-lethal professional and personal defense products, announced that its innovative and easy-to-use personal protection device, PepperBall LifeLite, is now available to the public. PepperBall has been in use for over two decades by more than 5,000 law enforcement and military agencies, but has not been available to the public until now. PepperBall offers an effective solution when lethal force is not warranted or permissible and is ideal as a non-lethal option at home, places of worship, while traveling, in schools and the workplace.

PepperBall LifeLite personal protection devices can be openly carried and are user-friendly. These launching devices use CO2 cartridges to accurately propel small, non-lethal plastic projectiles 60 feet at a velocity of 270 feet per second. On impact, these projectiles burst open to create a cloud of potent, debilitating pepper powder. The powder is designed to painfully disrupt normal function of the eyes, nose, lungs, and central nervous system, halting the immediate assault but without causing permanent bodily damage. PepperBall need not hit the body to be effective; the projectile can strike proximately and still overwhelm the assailant. The technology can also impact assailants even when they are not in the direct line of sight. Unlike pepper sprays and “stun gun”-like devices, PepperBall LifeLite gives users the advantages of time, distance, and accuracy. These in turn give users the confidence to carry and use the device when necessary. Read more

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. –– Viridian Weapon Technologies is pleased to announce the release of the new “Art of Defense” video series, showcasing life-saving firearms and defensive techniques for personal protection. Episodes will be released on YouTube beginning the last week of June. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the Viridian YouTube channel to be notified when new episodes are available. The first episode is now live here.

Presented by Defensive Mindset Training and Range Systems, the “Art of Defense” series is hosted by Beau Doboszenski, owner and lead instructor for Defensive Mindset Training. The video series is designed to address common defensive mistakes, answer everyday questions, provide concealed carry tips and deliver instruction on using tools like Viridian laser sights. Both novice and skilled shooters can take advantage of the materials and use the videos as a resource for effective firearms operation. Episodes cover a variety of topics ranging from target acquisition and trigger control to improved draw and more.

Beau Doboszenski                                                                            

As the owner of Defensive Mindset Training, Doboszenski conducts in-person training, develops curriculum and produces videos on topics of personal protection, firearms and more. From brand new shooters to the most advanced firearms operators, Doboszenski believes that all skill levels can benefit from additional training to help prepare them for real-world defensive scenarios. Prior to leading Defensive Mindset Training, he served as a U.S. Army Infantryman and was a first responder in the Pentagon on 9/11 and Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

“Life can be unpredictable, so having the right tools, like Viridian laser sights, and knowing how to use them is key in any defense situation,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “Our new ‘Art of Defense’ series aims to bring relevant information to our fans and customers, equipping them with the techniques to safely and efficiently defend themselves and their loved ones. Viewers can expect to gain valuable insight in a concise, easy-to-digest format that can be conveniently viewed on a lunch break or at home. These are skills that can only be mastered through instruction and repetition—and that’s why this series is so valuable.”

The first episode is available now, with additional episodes airing regularly. All “Art of Defense” videos and other educational content is available on Viridian’s YouTube channel. Read more

DNR conservation officers now are federally certified in responding to active shooter attacks, enhancing their abilities to protect Michigan citizens.

The DNR is one of the few agencies in Michigan to earn this certification. All 232 conservation officers completed the intensive, 16-hour training at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center. The program, certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, instructs officers on the latest tactics for responding to attacks on places like schools, places of worship and employment centers.

“Conservation officers are fully certified peace officers who may be called upon to respond to active shooting situations,” said Gary Hagler, chief of the Law Enforcement Division. “All too often we see these incidents of terrorism play out on our televisions across America. These are real, dangerous situations, and the need for a rapid, coordinated response is imperative to stopping the threat as soon as possible.” Read more