irvinehomeowner said:
Do Muslim extremists (for lack of a better term) target areas with a large Muslim population?
Yes. Vast majority of victims and fatalities are Muslims, per US State Department.
Annually, about 42,000 Americans commit suicide, 32,000 killed in car accidents, 14,000 killed in homicide, and far less by acts of domestic or foreign terrorism. The vast majority of firearm related deaths are from handguns and not rifles.
If it'd make you feel better, you can purchase Level 2 soft ballistic vest insert (10"x12"), which cost about $65. Larger (11"x14" or bigger) backpack armor is also avail at higher cost. They weight ~1 lb and will stop handgun calibers up to 357 magnum fired from handguns. To stop rifle rounds, you'd need heavier steel plates that weight 8 lbs for $65-$85. They can be carried in your backpack's laptop compartment.
In an active shooter scenario at the office, you have the option to wear the backpack and hide in place or flee AWAY from the shooter, should you choose to take that risk. Or, you can hold the backpack by hand as a shield and engage the shooter with any improvised weapon avail, such as a hammer from an innocent looking toolkit in your drawer for office decorations, or that fruit knife for cutting watermelons at the office party.
If you choose to put on an actual plate carrier ("bullet proof vest") or pull out a CCW pistol, be warned that the police may identify YOU as the shooter. Also, bullet resistant is not the same as stab resistant, so if the assailant is armed with a sharpened screwdriver, it may punch through soft body armor.
Threats from explosives are much more difficult to defend against. No background checks needed to order pressure cookers from Amazon. You could carry a lightweight IFAK ($40-$80) which includes chest seals, compression bandages, and blood clotting agents. Adventure medical kits sell a small trauma pack starting at $25 that can fit in a pouch or purse for EDC (every day carry). An small emergency first aid kit that you have with you when you need it, is better than a larger one that you left at home.
Should we avoid crowded public places or vacation in France in fear of terrorists? NO. I'd be happy to give my tourist dollars to Nice. I may not be able to stop terrorists from attacking, but they won't stop me from choosing where to spend my time and money in Irvine or France.
