Gun Sales Surge After Mass Shootings, Trump Gun Control Promise
IMAGE CREDITS: SAMUEL CORUM/ANADOLU AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES.
In the wake of the shootings in Dayton and El Paso, and ahead of potential gun control legislation being enacted by President Trump, firearms sales have surged, as Americans look to protect themselves.
The Washington Examiner reports that gun shops are seeing an uptick in business, particularly from first time buyers.
“While we have seen a measured rise in sale of certain tactical rifles and accessories this week, most customers are looking for concealed carry handguns,” said Justin Anderson, Marketing Director of Hyatt Guns in Charlotte, N.C.
“Just this week we have fielded hundreds of calls from people that have never purchased a gun before. Our concealed carry training classes are filling up quickly.” Anderson added.
“People are realizing that even a trip to Walmart isn’t safe these days and they want to be able to protect themselves.” he continued.
“Remember that nothing stops a lunatic bent on carnage better than a law abiding citizen with a gun. I continue to urge people to get a gun, get trained with that gun, and carry, always,” he added.
FBI Figures show another jump in purchases and background checks, with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System showing that 2019 is likely to be the second biggest year since 2016, when sales soared in anticipation of Hillary Clinton winning the election.
The figures show that there have been close to 16 million background checks in the first seven months of the year.
After President Trump said Monday that he was mulling legislation for stronger background checks, stocks of gun companies also surged, while the market more broadly slumped.
The Washington Post claims that Trump “has repeatedly told lawmakers and aides in private conversations that he is open to endorsing extensive background checks.”
The report claims that “the president has discussed with aides the idea of a Rose Garden bill-signing ceremony for gun-control legislation,” and states that Trump has also asked lawyers about what he could enact through an executive order.
Trump’s waivering on the issue has prompted a warning from the NRA.