Gun Permit Applications Soar in Newtown in Months Following Shooting

Gun permit applications have soared in Newtown since Adam Lanza’s heinous crime at Sandy Hook Elementary in December 2012. 

In the past, Newtown Police say they have issued about 130 gun permits annually. However, the police claim they issued 79 permits in the three months following the shooting–more than double the normal issuance for a three month time period.

Police also said that gun applicants in Newtown have traditionally been “hunters, target shooters, and business owners.” Now, however, applicants are allegedly buying guns to avoid new gun control laws being considered.

Victor Benson, owner of Freedom Shoppe gun store in nearby New Milford, CT, says his business has tripled since the crime at Sandy Hook Elementary. “We’re all upset about what happened in Newtown, but it doesn’t mean… we want to have our rights taken away.”