Glock Sales Double for Ariz. Gun Dealer in Aftermath of Congresswoman's Shooting
In the aftermath of a massacre at an Tucson shopping center on Saturday by a Glock-wielding gunman that left a Congresswoman critically wounded and six others dead, including the chief federal judge in Arizona, there have been calls for lawmakers to tighten restrictions on firearms.
Meanwhile, sales of the pistol have doubled at one Arizona gun seller’s two Glockmeister shops, in Phoenix and Mesa, following the shooting, reports Bloomberg.
Sales of handguns throughout the state were up by 60 percent yesterday, compared to the corresponding Monday a year ago.
“Whenever there is a huge event, especially when it’s close to home, people do tend to run out and buy something to protect their family,” manager Don Gallardo of Arizona Shooter’s World in Phoenix tells the news agency.
Experts say some of those purchasing now may be afraid that new restrictions on handguns could prevent them from purchasing later.
The law on gun ownership in Arizona reportedly is one of the least restrictive in the country, and suspect Jared Loughner, 22, who is accused of shooting U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others on Saturday with a Glock apparently had acquired the semi-automatic pistol legally.
A number of individuals who know him have told the media they were concerned by his behavior prior to Saturday’s shooting.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Stunned Federal Judges in Ariz. Mourn Slain Chief, Wonder How to Deal With Increased Workload”
Associated Press: “Tucson suspect’s troubles didn’t keep him from gun”
Daily Finance: “After the Tucson Shootings, the Old Gun Debate Gets New Urgency”
Wall Street Journal (sub. req.): “Giffords Has ‘101% Chance of Survival,’ Doctors Say”
