Deschutes County sees gun permit surge after school shooting

In Deschutes County, Oregon, concealed handgun license applications have spiked in the weeks following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, where an armed citizen stopped the attacker.

Snapshot

According to Bearing Arms, Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert said his office has seen 204 new CHL applicants since the shooting, prompting an additional training class. Rupert noted this kind of surge is typical after major local incidents that make residents think harder about personal and family safety.

Key points

• The numbers: Deschutes County Sheriff's Office says 204 residents have applied for concealed handgun licenses since the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting, according to Bearing Arms.
• More classes added: DCSO is scheduling an extra CHL training class for Saturday, Nov. 14, with 45 spots available and nine already filled; more classes will follow based on demand.
• Sheriff's read: Sheriff Ty Rupert said interest in concealed carry commonly rises after incidents that affect the community, calling the current trend consistent with what his office has seen historically.
• The open question: Bearing Arms columnist Cam Edwards says it isn't clear whether this surge is larger than past spikes, since Silver Rail was stopped by an armed citizen rather than ending without intervention.

Quick take

Edwards argues that while politicians call for new laws after the Silver Rail shooting, Deschutes County residents are responding by preparing to defend themselves and their families directly. He adds that a license is only a starting point, and that new carriers should keep training regularly rather than treating the permit itself as the finish line.

Read the full story: bearingarms.com