Some say business deal blurs line between public, private interests

Peoria-based TYR Tactical, owned by Peoria Mayor Jason Beck, has been tasked to conduct a research report on next-generation body armor for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Rep. Abe Hamadeh included the item as part of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which provides authorization of appropriations for the Department of Defense.

Hamadeh said Chinese and Russian small arms munitions can pierce even the best body armor, so a report is needed to plan and innovate for next-generation protection.

But some say this blurs the line between public and private interests.

Beck says that he has dedicated his life to developing protective solutions for the country’s military and law enforcement personnel and

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