100 of the mass shootings in the United States between 1982 and September 2024 involved weapons which were obtained legally; a clear majority. Only 16 incidents involved guns that were obtained illegally. Legally owned firearms in the U.S. Within the United States, one must be at least 18 years old in order to purchase shotguns, rifles, and ammunition, and at least 21 years old to purchase all other firearms. Some people may be restricted from owning firearms, such as individuals who have been dishonorably discharged from the military or tourists. Guns must be sold through licensed dealers, and purchasers must undergo a background check. However, the much-discussed “gun show loophole” allows people to purchase firearms from a flea market, gun show, online, or from a personal collector without a background check. The national firearm conversation The right to own a gun in the United States is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. While changing a part of the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments to the Constitution) would be extremely difficult, the issue of gun rights has become a highly controversial, and highly partisan, topic in the national conversation. For example, a majority of Republicans believe that if legal gun ownership is controlled, that there will not be a difference in the number of mass shootings. In contrast, most Democrats believe the number will decrease.

Handguns are the most common weapon type used in mass shootings in the United States, with a total of 167 different handguns being used in 117 incidents between 1982 and September 2024. These figures are calculated from a total of 151 reported cases over this period, meaning handguns are involved in about 78 percent of mass shootings. The involvement of semi-automatic rifles in mass shootings Owing to their use in several high-profile mass shootings, there has been much public discussion over the suitability or necessity of assault weapons for the purpose of self-defense. While any definition of assault weapon is contentious, semi-automatic rifles are generally the main focus of debates around this issue. Since 1982, there has been a known total 65 mass shootings involving rifles, mostly semi-automatics. This figure is underreported, however, as it excludes the multiple semi-automatic (and fully automatic) rifles used in the 2017 Las Vegas Strip massacre – the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, killing 58 and wounding 546. In fact, semi-automatic rifles were featured in four of the five deadliest mass shootings, being used in the Orlando nightclub massacre, Sandy Hook Elementary massacre and Texas First Baptist Church massacre. Mass shootings and gun control Despite evidence of strict gun control measures reducing the frequency and severity of mass shootings in countries like Australia, citizens in the United States remain deeply divided over the issue. According to a survey about the expected impact of gun laws on the number of mass shootings, a slim majority of Americans believe that gun control measures will have little-to-no effect. Most likely, this opinion is influenced by an underlying commitment among many in the U.S. to the greater importance of protecting gun ownership rights than limiting access to firearms. This sits in sharp contrast to many other developed countries. For example, most Canadians support a ban on civilian owned firearms.

California led the way in gun safety in the United States as of January 2025, with a composite score of 90.5 based on the presence of 50 key gun safety policies. Massachusetts followed, with a score of 86.5, while Illinois rounded out the top three with a score of 85.5. Illinois joins the no-assault weapons club In 2023, Illinois came in seventh place for gun law strength; by 2024, this ranking rose to third, signifying that the state holds some of the strongest gun safety laws nationwide. However, this swift rise up the ranks also suggests that Illinois is still taking action against gun violence, particularly after seven people were killed and dozens were injured in a mass shooting in Chicago during a Fourth of July parade in 2022. In recent years, Illinois has consistently improved state legislation on gun safety and has enacted multiple measures to prevent further harm from firearms, including a statewide ban on assault weapons which was approved in January 2023. The Midwestern state joined eight other states, as well as Washington, D.C., which prohibits military-style weapons. Permissive open carry states dominate the bottom of the class Receiving less than five points each, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Idaho represent the lowest composite score for gun law strength nationwide. Arkansas, Mississippi, and Idaho are among the 25 U.S. states that do not require any permit to carry concealed guns in public, and are permissive open carry states as well. Moreover, these states do not require a permit or a background check to purchase a handgun and also neglect to necessitate any firearm safety training before making the purchase. Such gun safety laws are considered crucial to ensure that firearms are handled properly and do not cause anyone harm. However, it is also important to note that countries with strong safety measures may still experience high rates of gun violence due to illegal gun trafficking. As a result, taking legal action may not fully address all gun-related violence in the area, especially if there remains an illicit way for people to obtain a gun without restriction.

Bulletproof Backpacks Market Outlook

The global bulletproof backpacks market size was valued at approximately USD 210 million in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 380 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing concerns regarding personal safety amidst rising incidences of mass shootings and violent crimes worldwide.

One of the primary growth factors for the bulletproof backpacks market is the escalating incidence of school shootings and public attacks, particularly in regions like North America and Europe. The frequent occurrence of these unfortunate events has led to heightened awareness and demand for personal safety products, including bulletproof backpacks. Consequently, parents, schools, and even corporations are increasingly investing in these safety measures to protect students and employees.

Technological advancements in material science have significantly contributed to the market's growth. Innovations in materials like Kevlar and Dyneema have made bulletproof backpacks lighter, more durable, and more effective at stopping bullets. These advancements have not only improved the performance of these backpacks but have also made them more comfortable and convenient to use, thereby boosting their adoption across various end-user segments.

Additionally, the expanding consumer base, including civilians and law enforcement agencies, has propelled market growth. With the growing recognition of the importance of personal security, even civilians are now considering bulletproof backpacks as essential everyday carry items. This trend is further supported by the rising disposable income levels in emerging economies, enabling more people to invest in personal safety products.

In recent years, the concept of a Smart Backpack has gained traction, particularly among tech-savvy consumers seeking more than just protection. These backpacks integrate advanced technologies such as GPS tracking, solar charging panels, and Bluetooth connectivity, offering users a blend of security and convenience. As personal safety becomes a priority, the demand for smart backpacks that combine bulletproof features with technological enhancements is on the rise. This trend is particularly appealing to students and professionals who require both safety and functionality in their everyday carry items. The integration of smart features not only enhances user experience but also aligns with the growing trend of connected devices, making smart backpacks a compelling choice for the modern consumer.

From a regional perspective, North America holds the largest market share due to the high incidence of public shooting events and the subsequent demand for personal safety equipment. Europe also exhibits considerable demand, driven by similar safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth, attributed to increasing crime rates and rising awareness about personal safety products.

Product Type Analysis

The bulletproof backpacks market is segmented into standard bulletproof backpacks, convertible bulletproof backpacks, and tactical bulletproof backpacks. Standard bulletproof backpacks are the most common type, primarily designed for everyday use by students and civilians. These backpacks offer essential bulletproof protection while maintaining a conventional appearance. The demand for standard bulletproof backpacks is driven by their affordability and widespread availability, making them the go-to choice for safety-conscious consumers.

Convertible bulletproof backpacks, on the other hand, provide versatility and multifunctionality. These backpacks can transform into protective vests or shields, offering additional layers of security. The flexibility of these products makes them popular among civilians and military personnel who require adaptable safety solutions. The growing interest in multifunctional safety gear is expected to drive the demand for convertible bulletproof backpacks in the coming years.

Tactical bulletproof backpacks are specifically designed for military and law enforcement applications. These backpacks not only provide bulletproof protection but also include various tactical features such as multiple compartments, MOLLE webbing, and hydration system compatibility. The demand for tactical bulletproof backpacks is fueled by the increasing need for advanced protective gear amon