An Israeli company with ties to the country's military and security services has released a Kevlar-covered backpack to protect students from surprise shooters, according to information released Monday by the company, called ArmorMe.
The Kevlar-plated backpack will hit shelves in February and promises to help protect students from an alarming uptick in school-centered violence, as well as other terror-oriented attacks.
"We never know when violent attacks may occur," security specialist and Israeli Defense Forces Colonel Dr. Gabi Siboni said in a news release announcing the new protective wear. "We designed this bag for every student and have given them one or two panels of Kevlar to provide safety."
"The packs are designed with safety in mind and for the most common attack scenarios," according to the company's news release, which includes a guide demonstrating how the pack can be fitted over the front of one's body. "The Kevlar used exceeds the global standard for safety for handgun attacks."
One single paneled backpack is set to retail for $160 to 190 "with coverage from neck to waist when worn in front or back," ArmorMe announced. "The double-paneled backpack costs $210 to $250 and provides coverage for both sides of the torso or from the neck to the knees on their front or rear."
"We built this backpack to address the daily reality of student life," Siboni said in a statement. "We wanted a pack that had style, was light, could carry a laptop, would last multiple academic years, and could breathe to ensure kids were comfortable. At the same time, we built this backpack to withstand a handgun attack."