Coach And Instructor Spotlight
Detroit’s LAID Event Survives and Thrives Amidst Challenges
Detroit’s Annual LAID Event Powers Through Adversity, Empowering Women in Firearm Safety and Self-Defense
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Detroit, MI
The sounds of Detroit in summer have changed. No longer does the music of Motown or the mufflers of Motor City reign supreme over the cityat least for one weekend every July. For two days in mid-summer, thousands of women make some noise as they take to the range to fire rounds downrange like their lives depend on it. This event is the Legally Armed in Detroit (LAID) womens event, now a staple of the city for 14 years. However, in 2025, the event faced a potential halt. The event was originally created and carried out by NRA Board member Rick Ector, a well-known firearms instructor in the Detroit region. He had personally overseen the event every year since its inception in 2012, but this year, Ector suffered a health emergency that threatened the events future. Despite this setback, Tanisha Moner, a longtime supporter and volunteer, rose to the occasion, ensuring the event continued. Moner had attended her first LAID event in 2014 and, over time, became integral to its success. Her ability to organize and connect with sponsors, volunteers, and donors played a key role in the success of the 2025 event. More than 1,800 women participated, firing more than 30,000 rounds in just two days. For some, it was their first time shooting a firearm, while others returned to refresh their skills and confidence in self-defense. The LAID womens event has become so significant that even NRA Executive Vice President & CEO Doug Hamlin traveled to Detroit to observe it firsthand. When I arrived, women were lined up outside the building on both sidesone line for classroom instruction and the other waiting for their opportunity for hands-on firearms training with live fire. The enthusiasm never let up throughout the day, Hamlin said. Rick Ector has changed the lives of tens of thousands of women. He and his loyal group of volunteers should be commended for everything that they have done for the greater Metropolitan Detroit community. Moner, who initially reached out to Ector in 2014 to conquer her own fear of firearms, has since become a vital part of the event. She overcame her own trauma and now leads other women through similar journeys. Moners story of survival and overcoming fear continues to resonate with attendees, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves. Despite early concerns about attendance due to Ectors absence, the event saw a record turnout. Moner said, I gave Rick my word it would happen. Her dedication ensured the event went off without a hitch, proving that the spirit of LAID could carry on, even without its original leader. The event has grown significantly over the years. Initially catering primarily to white women, Moner notes that the demographic has diversified, with more women of color, particularly Black women, now participating. The events evolution reflects broader trends within the firearms community, where women from all walks of life are stepping up to embrace firearm safety and self-defense. The LAID event not only provides practical firearm training but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and community among participants. Moner believes that such events are crucial in todays world, where women increasingly seek to defend themselves in a volatile society.