Man arrested after walking into Monroe Walmart Wearing Bullet-Proof Vest

On a quiet afternoon in Monroe, North Carolina, 32-year-old Moja Estep strolled through his local Walmart clad in a plate carrier, armed with a Glock, a Chiappa Rhino, an AK-47, and several knives.

Cell phone footage captured Estep casually minding his business, conversing on his phone while navigating the Walmart aisles like any typical shopper. While some smiled and waved at him, others gave him nervous looks. While most responsible advocates of the Second Amendment have no issue with individuals carrying firearms in public, some understandably felt alarmed seeing Estep equipped with such an array of weaponry. Consequently, he was later arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for "going about armed to the terror of the people."

In his defense, Estep clarified that he wasn't behaving in a threatening manner and had no intention of causing harm. The only reason why he was in Walmart with his rifle in the first place was to purchase a new sling for it.

While many of us carry firearms in public for self-defense, numerous self-defense experts would argue that maintaining the element of surprise offers the greatest advantage. This same principle is also for one's gear and its visibility.

There are some instances where open-carry gun owners have been unexpectedly disarmed by opportunistic criminals. Slick-fingered thieves have been captured on video snatching pistols out of waistbands or holsters and using their ill-gotten weapons on their owners. This is why it’s smarter to carry concealed. Similarly, the same concept applies to body armor. Whether worn by law enforcement, military personnel, security professionals, or civilians mindful of their safety, the goal is personal protection. A police officer or a security guard wants to be visible to act as a deterrent. However, an ordinary civilian would be smart to not draw attention to himself.

Logically, a potential assailant is more likely to neutralize the first perceived threat before escalating violence. By wearing body armor, one presents oneself as a threat. Concealing protective gear reduces this perception, much like concealing a firearm.

Perhaps a more discreet option like a gun bag for his rifle and BulletSafe’s Conceal Vest might have been better for him to not draw so much unnecessary attention. This innovative vest maintains Level IIIA protection while prioritizing discretion with features such as low-profile Velcro, soft edges for comfort, and a modified cut for enhanced mobility. The Conceal Vest would have allowed Estep to move freely while maintaining a high level of safety.

Ultimately, I'm not dictating what individuals should or shouldn't do, but the incident involving Moja Estep underscores the impact of outward appearances. Despite his harmless intentions, Estep's conspicuous attire sparked fear among the people around him.

While individuals have the right to bear arms and protect themselves, exercising this right in a manner that doesn't needlessly alarm others is paramount. Whether it's carrying firearms or wearing body armor, discretion and mindfulness can mitigate unnecessary fear and tension in public spaces, not to mention draw the attention of criminals.