An impressive number of concealed carry permits had been issued in Ohio during the third quarter of 2016. Approximately 1 in 16 adults in the Buckeye State has become a concealed-carry permit holder.

Authorities said that a record 25,474 permits had been issued from July-September, which is a 59 percent increase compared to the same period in 2015.

CCW instructor Todd Karam, owner of the Cleveland Armory said, “Many of the people who sign up for my class, they’re watching the news and they’re hearing what happening not only here but across the country”.

Gun ownership has been “becoming mainstream,” according to Jim Irvine, President of the Firearms Association. Irvine said that this increase in gun owners is responsible for concealed-carry instructors being “swamped with demand for their classes.”

Irvine added, “Concealed carry used to be mostly hard-core shooters, but it has now become increasingly popular with soccer moms and others who just wanted to be safe in their everyday life”

The terrorist attack which had taken place last month on the Ohio State University campus might have contributed to an already increased number of gun owners and concealed-carry permit holders in the Buckeye State.

 Senate Bill 199 , which would allow a legal permit holders to carry their firearms further, like college campuses, day-care centers and specified government properties.

By Prakriti Neogi