Latest shootings spark surge in applications for gun permits in area

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The mass shootings in the Atlanta area and Boulder in the last week are fueling in an increase in people who are applying for gun permits in the area.

King and Vera Watkins were among the first to apply for concealed carry permits Tuesday in Gaston County.

They had training Sunday.

“We go take the class one day and the shooting happen the next day,” King Watkins said.

A 21-year-old man opened fire in a crowded grocery store Monday in Boulder, authorities said. Ten people were killed.

The shooting in Boulder, Colorado, was jarring.

“Makes me really sad that people go out and do stuff like that, just take another person’s life,” Vera Watkins said.

Vera Watkins said she was a victim of an armed robbery in Gastonia eight years ago.

The Watkins said they want to legally carry a gun in the car.

The shooting in Colorado and the eight killed in shootings in the Atlanta area last week has them rethinking that decision.

[Boulder supermarket shooting: What we know about the victims]

“I don’t like going in stores with it on, but I may have to,” King Watkins said.

People bought ammunition Tuesday morning at American Tactical and Pawn in Shelby.

The owner said there were 7 million new gun owners in the country last year.

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Time Wright said many of them were looking for ammo the day after the shooting in Boulder.

“It just alerts them one more time that they need to be secure,” Wright said.

He said sales Tuesday morning were up by 20%.

“They are all concerned about travel and being stopped by unsavory characters,” Wright said.

He said he urges new gun owners to get training.

The victims of the Boulder supermarket shooting (NCD)

Cox Media Group