Blackout Rumor on TikTok Sparks Gun and Ammo Buying Spree

A viral rumor about a 90-day nationwide blackout is driving a real spike in gun and ammo sales at one South Carolina gun store, according to Bearing Arms.

Snapshot

Bearing Arms reports that Stock Pile Tactical owner John "JC" Castillo has seen sales jump roughly 60% to 70% as customers rush to buy firearms, ammunition, water, and other supplies over fears of an extended blackout. The outlet traces the rumor's origin to misreading of a real military readiness initiative, amplified into panic by social media.

Key points

• Sales spike: Castillo told Bearing Arms his racks of guns and pistols are selling out, with overall sales up an estimated 60% to 70%.
• Not just guns: Customers are also stocking up on water and ammo, treating the rumor as grounds for broad emergency prep rather than a single purchase.
• Likely source: Bearing Arms ties the panic to Secretary Pete Hegseth's FORTRESS America plan, which requires military bases and defense agencies to operate independently for 90 days in case of cyberattack, sabotage, or disaster.
• TikTok amplification: Shopper Kayla Fairchild told the outlet she first encountered the "blackout" claim through alarming TikTok videos, not any official source.
• No official confirmation: Bearing Arms states there's no credible evidence a 90-day blackout is actually coming.

Quick take

Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards argues there's nothing wrong with keeping basic supplies on hand, but draws a line between reasonable preparedness and social-media-fueled panic buying. He also notes that if a rumor is your reason for buying your first gun, get some training and actually use it at the range rather than letting it sit in a closet.

Read the full story: bearingarms.com