Sen. Blumenthal calls on FTC to investigate bulletproof backpack claims

WASHINGTON (WTNH) — Sen. Richard Blumenthal called on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Friday to look into companies that claim to provide bulletproof school supplies.

Manufacturers advertisers that inserts placed into backpacks made them bulletproof. Activities disagree.

Sen. Blumenthal demands investigation into deadly deli meat recall

“Deceptive marketing practices like these are not only misleading — come on — but how would these even work?” said Abby Clemmons, the executive director of Teachers Unified to End Gun Violence. “But, they are a cynical reminder of how we are failing our kids.”

Blumenthal said there needs to be truth in advertising.

“There is no reason, based on science, to think that there’s hard evidence that they can actually stop bullets,” Blumenthal said.

He said the companies use parents’ fears to inflate prices. He showed an example of a clipboard that sells for $185, and a bulletproof hoodie priced at $450.

“While I understand the need for a sense of security, it makes me even more angry that there are companies like this who prey on that need for security,” said Johanna Schubert, the director of violence intervention at Hartford Communities That Care.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.