Mark Choppa's Journey: From Self-Defense Incident to Advocating Less-Lethal Weapons
Mark Choppa has turned his social media platform into a powerful tool for educating others on weapons, self-defense, and the importance of less-lethal options. His journey into advocacy began after a life-changing event in 2019.
A Life-Changing Self-Defense Incident
In 2019, Mark was involved in an incident that forever altered his perspective on self-defense.
“I was involved in a justified homicide where four armed gunmen wearing ski masks drew their weapons on me and a few others,” Mark recalled. “I defended myself and those around me, and one of the suspects lost his life.”
Although the homicide was deemed justifiable, Mark still faced both criminal and civil charges.
“After everything was over, I became an advocate for gun rights and self-defense education,” he said.
Turning Trauma into Advocacy
According to the FBI, in 2019, private citizens justifiably killed 386 offenders during the commission of crimes. Mark found himself among those statistics, and he knew he had a responsibility to share his experience and educate others.
“The aftermath was traumatic. I struggled with depression and found solace in creating videos on Instagram,” he said. “What started as an outlet turned into a mission—to spread awareness, address community issues, and promote responsible self-defense.”
One of the key messages Mark shares is the importance of non-lethal self-defense options.
“Not every situation requires lethal force,” he explained. “A gun should always be the last resort.”
Why Less-Lethal Weapons Matter
Mark strongly believes that many violent encounters can be resolved without taking a life. This belief led him to discover Byrna less-lethal weapons.
“You don’t want to shoot an unarmed man,” he said. “Byrna gives people a powerful tool to stop threats without deadly force. That’s what makes it so essential for self-defense.”
After testing the Byrna launcher himself, Mark was impressed by its effectiveness. The Byrna Kinetic Projectiles left wounds that lasted for days, proving their stopping power.
“It was incredibly effective,” he said. “If someone is hit multiple times, it would definitely stop them in their tracks.”
The Cost of Self-Defense
Mark’s personal experience with self-defense came at a high price. He was detained for a week and spent over $30,000 in legal fees. Now, he dedicates his time to educating others through his own company, gun range, and growing social media following.
“It was a fight for my life and a fight for my freedom,” he said. “I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did.”
Advocating for Self-Defense Education
Through his platform, Mark encourages others to explore non-lethal self-defense options and be prepared for any situation.
“The trauma of taking a life never leaves you,” he said. “If I had the option to use non-lethal, I would have taken it. That’s why Byrna is so important.”
He urges people to think beyond firearms when it comes to protection.
“Many people talk about using a gun, but they don’t understand the impact,” he said. “When you actually have to use a firearm, it changes your perspective on life. You realize that life is precious, and if you can save a life instead of taking one, you will sleep much better at night.”
Mark Choppa’s story serves as a powerful lesson in the importance of self-defense education, the value of less-lethal weapons, and the responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm. As he continues to share his message, more people are learning that having options in self-defense can make all the difference.
