Fox News’ Jana Winter did a great piece on the Aurora shooting suspect.
Much of dino-media has been reciting the “body armor” meme, probably out of the same ignorance that makes them call semi-automatic handgun magazines “clips.”
- New York Daily News: “…was also wearing red clothing beneath the black body armor that terrified moviegoers saw when he opened fire…”
- New York Times: “…nearly head-to-toe ‘ballistic gear,’ including a throat protector and leggings…” (Using the term “ballistic” implies resistant material.)
- Contra Costa Times (California): “…wearing a gas mask and what looked like body armor…”
According to Bullet Proof Me in Austin, Texas, it is legal for law-abiding citizens to buy true body armor. But this is about reporting a story, not about pushing a political agenda to justify more restrictions on law-abiding citizens.
Even Criminologist James Allen Fox, who I often disagree with, has stated that more gun control won’t stop mass murderers.
In this case, Winter interviewed Chad Weinman, CEO of TacticalGear.com, who admitted the shooter’s vest came from their mail order company.
Winter used the term “urban assault vest.” Looking that up at TacticalGear.com displays this result. It’s made of “heavy-duty nylon” and has no Kevlar or other bullet-resistant materials. Granted, if you load it up with magazines you may derive some protection at the expense of your ammunition, but it’s not “body armor.”
You’re welcome to browse other offerings, like this Blackhawk vest made of “heavy-duty nylon mesh for maximum breathability.” Looks like body armor and could fool people into thinking it is, especially under low light conditions.
Let’s hope the truth continues coming out on this story.