Armed Jogger’s Viral Video Ignites National Safety Debate

A South Carolina mother’s decision to open carry a firearm during her daily jog has sparked a nationwide conversation about women’s safety and self-defense strategies. Mikaela Dieppa’s TikTok video showcasing her running outfit—complete with a holstered handgun—has garnered over 4.2 million views and thousands of polarized comments since being posted earlier this week.

“Protect yourself ladies,” Dieppa captioned the viral clip, where she demonstrated how she integrates her Amazon-purchased gun holster with her Lululemon running attire. The video has touched a nerve in America’s ongoing discussion about personal safety, women’s vulnerability in public spaces, and the role of firearms in self-protection, according to The New York Post.

The mother-of-one defended her choice to open carry rather than conceal her weapon, explaining that visible firearms create an immediate deterrent effect. “For all the people who say I should be concealed carrying when I am on my run, you’re probably not a female who has men slow down and stop to watch them running,” she stated in her viral video.

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Dieppa’s video presents her firearm as matter-of-factly as her Hoka running shoes—just another essential item in her workout gear. This normalization of firearms as everyday accessories has divided viewers and safety experts alike.

“It’s not that I’m scared or paranoid, it’s a fact that women get assaulted in broad daylight all the time, even when taking precautions,” Dieppa explained in follow-up statements. “I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”

The stay-at-home mom maintains she feels safer with the visible firearm and has noticed a marked difference in how men interact with her during runs. She claims that once potential harassers notice her holstered weapon, they quickly move on—achieving the deterrent effect she seeks without requiring her to actually handle the gun.

🚨 FEMALE JOGGER GOES VIRAL FOR RUNNING WITH A GUN

Mikaela Dieppa says she open carries while working out—and tells other women to do the same. “Protect yourself, ladies.” Over 4 million views and counting. pic.twitter.com/H98ZNuk6Qz
— Irrelevant News (@IrrelevantFeed) April 12, 2025

Public Reaction: Support and Alarm in Equal Measure

Reaction to Dieppa’s armed jogging routine has been sharply divided along familiar lines in America’s firearm debate. Supporters praise her proactive approach to personal safety, with comments like “Everybody should open carry… crime would go away” appearing frequently among her supporters.

Critics, however, express concern about the normalization of firearms in everyday activities and what it says about American society. “This is wild, if you need a pew pew to go for a run there is something really wrong with your country,” wrote one international viewer, echoing sentiments expressed by many who find the concept alarming rather than empowering.

The video has also sparked discussion about whether open carrying actually improves safety or potentially creates new risks. Some commenters suggested that visible firearms might make carriers targets for those seeking to steal weapons, while others debated the practical challenges of maintaining weapon security during high-impact exercise.

The Statistics Behind the Stance

Dieppa’s decision reflects genuine safety concerns faced by female runners. According to a 2023 Runner’s World survey, 58% of women reported being harassed or followed while running, and 30% have feared for their physical safety during a run. These concerns have led to various protective measures, from running in groups to carrying personal alarms—and now, for some, firearms.

However, gun safety statistics present a more complex picture. According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted by The Daily Mail, states with the highest gun ownership rates also tend to have the highest gun death rates, with Mississippi (28.6 deaths per 100,000 population), Louisiana (26.3), and Wyoming (25.9) leading the statistics.

A 2024 study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that suicide by firearm rates increased 18 percent in nine years in states that permit open carry without permits, suggesting complex public health implications beyond personal protection considerations.

The Legal Landscape: Where Open Carry Stands

Currently, 29 states have constitutional carry laws, which in many jurisdictions mean state-issued identification is the only documentation needed to carry concealed weapons. Open carry laws vary significantly by state, with some requiring permits and others allowing permitless open carry.

South Carolina, where Dieppa resides, allows open carry with a permit as of 2021, when Governor Henry McMaster signed the Open Carry with Training Act. This legislative environment creates the legal framework for Dieppa’s armed running routine.

Self-defense experts emphasize that those choosing to carry firearms must commit to proper training, regular practice, and understanding the legal ramifications of using deadly force—considerations that extend far beyond simply purchasing a holster and gun.

Beyond Guns: Alternative Safety Approaches

While Dieppa’s approach has captured attention, safety experts note that multiple strategies exist for runner protection. Running in groups, varying routes and timing, carrying non-lethal deterrents like pepper spray, and using safety apps that track location are among the alternatives recommended by running organizations.

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: women’s safety while exercising in public spaces remains a significant concern that has yet to find universal solutions. Whether through firearms, community safety initiatives, or cultural changes addressing harassment, the conversation Dieppa sparked extends far beyond her viral video into fundamental questions about freedom, safety, and the environments we create in public spaces.

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