NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Applications for gun permits have jumped in Newtown, Conn., since a school massacre there revived the national debate on gun control and led to worries about new restrictions.
Newtown in recent years has issued about 130 gun permits annually. Police say the town received 79 permit applications in the three months since the Dec. 14 massacre, well over double the normal pace.
Robert Berkins, records manager for Newtown police, says many applicants are expressing concerns that their gun rights will be taken away.
Firearms sales have surged around the country, driven by Washington's new focus on gun control.
The killing of 20 first-graders and six staff members at Newtown's Sandy Hook Elementary School has led to proposals for universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:24 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:24:33 GMT
Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-17 13:35:33 GMT
Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
Thursday, May 16 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-05-16 18:49:22 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:39 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:39:19 GMT
Britain's Prince Harry wrapped up a weeklong visit to the U.S. in Greenwich, Conn., where he played in a polo match at a club with a history of hosting royal visitors.
Britain's Prince Harry wrapped up a weeklong visit to the U.S. in Greenwich, Conn., where he played in a polo match at a club with a history of hosting royal visitors.
Sunday, May 12 2013 10:16 PM EDT2013-05-13 02:16:33 GMT
If you haven't played Powerball -- now is a good time. Nobody won the Powerball drawing of $270 million Saturday night, so the jackpot grows to $350 million for Wednesday night's drawing.
If you haven't played Powerball -- now is a good time. Nobody won the Powerball drawing of $270 million Saturday night, so the jackpot grows to $350 million for Wednesday night's drawing.
Tuesday, January 8 2013 5:14 PM EST2013-01-08 22:14:16 GMT
The sound of bells echoed through grief-stricken Newtown, Connecticut, Tuesday. More than 1,000 brightly ornamented bells were hung throughout the town by volunteers.
The sound of bells echoed through grief-stricken Newtown, Connecticut, Tuesday. More than 1,000 brightly ornamented bells were hung throughout the town by volunteers.
(AP File)
