Concealed Weapon Applications on the Rise | Video

Evan Kruegel | 7/9/2012

For many North Dakota residents, carrying a concealed weapon is a form of security against the unknown. Following the Sherry Arnold murder in January, that unknown became clearer than ever in western North Dakota and concealed weapon permit applications saw a huge spike.

"There`s been Some local tragedies that probably sparked some fear and made people feel like they had to be armed, and mostly just more people means more guns," said Williams County Sheriff Scott Busching.

The numbers have sky-rocketed recently, from 156 in 2010 to 550 in 2011. February applications were off the charts, with 257. Since then, numbers have significantly dropped.

Gun salesman Kevin Friesen says there was an obvious reason for the spike in February.

"It`s with the Sherry Arnold event, definitely. Very naturally I think a lot of people want to protect themselves, women want to take care of their young, men want to take care of their families. So we had a huge increase and that was reflected in the number that were issued, so a traumatic and violent event will increase sales for sure."

As people remain cautious in Williston, guns that can be hidden are becoming much more popular.

"A couple years ago when there wasn`t the full boom here, people generally were just looking for full size guns that they could have fun with. And size and concealment wasn`t really that big of an issue, they wanted the gun they wanted regardless of the size and now, as of this morning, both the guns I sold were concealed-carry guns," said Friesen.

Even with the overall increase in applications, Busching isn`t terribly concerned. Numbers have dropped back to normal levels after the initial bump in February, and those applying for permits are typically just interested in self-defense.

"Bad guys don`t get concealed weapons permits."

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