Dad Creates Bulletproof Insert For Backpacks

PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Mat Materazo, founder of a company that makes armor for law enforcement and military personnel, was approached by his two children after the 2017 mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida that left 17 people dead.

They asked him if there was anything he could make to keep them safe in the event of a mass shooting.

He tells KDKA Radio's Lynne Hayes Freeland he was hesitant at first but after thinking it over and talking with his wife, he told his children he would make something, with their input.

"I want to make something that you guys are comfortable with and that gives you a certain feeling of security," Materazo told his children.

"I want something that I can put in the backpack that can provide some form of protection and that's what led to the development of PakProtect," said Materazo.

The insert is 11 inches by 14 inches, is a quarter of an inch thick and weights slightly over a pound.

@awr_hawkins sends two more rounds into a @mypakprotect by @gladiatorsolutions armor plate. We designed our lightweight armor to easily insert into any standard size backpack or briefcase. #Repost @awr_hawkins with @get_repost ・・・ The #PakProtect from @gladiatorsolutions. Lightweight body armor plate you can put in your child's backpack if you are in a state where @thedemocrats force teachers (and students) to sit defenseless day after day. I've already shot it w/ a #9mm, shooting here w/ .38 Special & .45. @wearebreitbart @nationalrifleassociation @cabelas @gunnerationx @gunsandammomag @mypakprotect @millennial_republicans @dennismiller @sportsmans_warehouse @shannonbream @adamhandelsman @secondamendmentfoundation @sebastian_gorka @kayajones @gunownersofamerica @kimberlyguilfoyle #breitbart #awrhawkins #gladiatorsolutions #secondamendment #2ndamendment #schoolsafety

A post shared by PakProtect (@mypakprotect) on Nov 22, 2018 at 7:02am PST

Materazo says the protective plate can also be placed in any other bag, not just backpacks or students.

The plate that was developed with the help of students was also created with the help of experts like first responders.

Materazo says there are detailed instructions that come with each PakProtect for each event that could be possible in an active shooter situation either run, hide or if absolutely necessary, fight.If you are interested in PakProtect, go here for more information.

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