The Smith Mountain Lake shooting that left two reporters dead has spurred many Franklin County residents to start their concealed carry permit process.
The Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk’s office normally sees an average of 86 concealed carry applications per month, but in the last eight days alone more than 93 have flooded in to fill out an application.
“We have seen a large volume of concealed handgun permit applications,” said Clerk Teresa Brown. “It is unusual. It’s a high volume.”
Local gun stores too have seen a massive spike in business since the shooting, and Franklin Outdoors owner Sean Purdue says his gun counter has been extremely busy.
“An 83-year-old grandmother was here three hours after the shooting and said I need something,” said Purdue. “Lots and lots of people bought lots and lots of guns. For one thing, they didn’t know where the guy was and they were looking for copycats.”
Purdue said customers were buying up every type of handgun ranging from small to large.
“Conceal carry handguns, big handguns – it doesn’t matter,” said Purdue. “A lot of people are just like, you tell me what I need.”
Hopefully the Franklin County applicants don’t have to wait too long before being able to legally concealed carry.
(This article was a submission from freelance writer Brent Rogers)