Bulletproof backpacks are growing in popularity as the rate of school shootings in the U.S. increases. 

According to CBS News, bulletproof backpacks are available in Office Depot stores in Spokane, Washington, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Guard Dog Security claims the backpacks can stop a .44 magnum handgun, but not a medium-velocity rifle. Manufacturers are selling these backpacks for $150-$200. The company also sells tasers, pepper spray and keychain alarms. 

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While travelling, if you find yourself in a situation where someone is heading in a direction you don’t want, make an excuse to leave and get out of there fast????. If self-defense products like stun guns and pepper sprays are allowed where you're going, bring one????. Being one step ahead means you can avert any unnecessary attention and difficult situations????.

A post shared by Guard Dog Security (@guarddogsecurity) on Jul 27, 2019 at 9:00am PDT

Twenty children lost their lives on December 14, 2012, in a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. On February 14, 2018, 14 students and three educators were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 

According to CNN, there have been 22 mass shootings since the start of 2019. 

The backpacks are now available for purchase online at major retailers such as Macy’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Kmart. 

"We're not saying, 'Buy a backpack, it'll solve everything,"' said Yashi Sheikh, founder of Guard Dog Security. "We're saying this will put you in a better position in the case of a school shooting than someone who doesn't have a bulletproof backpack."

It’s a sad day when $200 ballistic backpacks are more readily available than comprehensive gun law reform.