Maryland has experienced a 700% increase in applications for permits to carry handguns after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision striking down part of a New York gun law, News 4 Washington reports.
Maryland State Police records obtained by News 4 show that applications are up from 1,014, during a three-week span in June/July 2021, to over 7,165 during that same period this year.
After the Supreme Court’s decision, the Maryland Attorney General, wrote a letter to the Licensing Division of the Maryland Department of State Police.
In the letter, the Attorney General directs, “Maryland’s ‘good and substantial reason’ requirement is now clearly unconstitutional, based upon controlling Supreme Court precedent that is directly on point . . . [t]hus, the Department is not required to continue enforcing –and, in fact, may not enforce– the ‘good and substantial reason’ requirement in processing public-carry permit applications.”
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision, Maryland’s Gov. Larry Hogan directed the Maryland State Police to suspend the ‘good and substantial reason’ standard for wear and carry permits. Hogan issued a press release shortly thereafter.
“Over the course of my administration, I have consistently supported the right of law-abiding citizens to own and carry firearms, while enacting responsible and common sense measures to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill,” Hogan said.
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“Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a provision in New York law pertaining to handgun permitting that is virtually indistinguishable from Maryland law. In light of the ruling and to ensure compliance with the Constitution, I am directing the Maryland State Police to immediately suspend utilization of the ‘good and substantial reason’ standard when reviewing applications for Wear and Carry Permits,” Hogan continued.
Gun-control advocates took issue with the governor’s actions, including members of law enforcement.
“People probably in their minds think that having a gun will make them more safe,’ said Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones. “The question is, you know, when people are carrying a weapon, how efficient are you… when it comes to these high intensity type of situations, to be able to handle a weapon?'”
Mark Pennak, the president of Maryland Shall Issue, also spoke to News 4.
“Permit holders who are thoroughly investigated simply don’t commit crimes. Guns are inanimate objects. They’re not going to jump up and start shooting people on their own. They are tools, and [sic] they are employed by people who are demonstrated through the investigation process that they are responsible law-abiding citizens,” Pennak explained.
First of all Hogan is a dammed RINO. I left the peoples republic of Maryland over a decade ago and so glad I did. If RINO Hogan is such a supporter of the second amendment why did it require the USSC to issue a decision upholding the constitution for him to actually support the second amendment??!!!
According to Liberal COMMUNISTS, there is NO need to have firearms for protection. So WHY are they getting them???
It’s about time Md started to get it..the criminals have always carried. Look at Baltimore if you don’t believe me. I had a gun shop in Md for over 27 years. Dealt with firearms daily. Traveled throughout the state and others(even NJ). Applied for a carry permit more than once and was turned down as I had no threats upon my life?? I had a permit in 3 other states where I picked up guns ammo and reloading supplies. I sometimes carried(illegally) even in Md when traveling in the state with as many as 50 firearms at a time. Anybody could have stolen them from me with ease. But I was more threat to the state armed. No common sense in states such as Md NJ and NY