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2015 Guns Sales Likely to set Record

December 18th, 2015 by Mike Vasilinda

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is bracing for a record number of firearm purchase background checks this weekend. .As Mike Vasilinda tells us, fear, prices, and an improving economy are driving the sales.

Background checks for gun purchases are up seven percent over last year, but every day since the San Bernardino shootings, sales have been up by a third to a half. More than 80 thousand checks have been run in December alone, and there are still 12 shopping days in the month. We found Fsu student Ali Martin looking for a handgun.

FSU Student/Gun shopper

Q:”You’re interested in buying a gun. I heard you say to keep at home?

A:”Yeah”

Q:Why?”

A:”For my safety. I lot of stuff be happening lately.”

The Department of Law Enforcement shoots for a four minute turnaround time on background checks. December weekend sales have been taking up to two hours. FDLE spokesperson Molly Best says the agency has cancelled vacations to staff up for this weekend.

“Well, we have increased our staffing 25 percent for the Christmas weekend” says Best.

Shoppers ran for their lives last Saturday at this Tallahassee mall after a fight broke out and someone thought they heard gunshots. Tallahassee Police Department spokesperson David Northway says patrons did the right thing.

“Someone picked up a garbage can, threw the garbage can and it bounced on the tile flooring the tile floor echoed , it is such a large building, and people assumed those were gun shots” says Northway.

It’s not just fear that’s driving the increase in sales. Gun prices are low right now, and an improving economy is sending many hinders out to re-arm.

But fear is a definite factor. Tina Thomas is a first time gun buyer.

“Home invasions. Break ins. i had my house broke in before, and I just feel I’ll be more safe with a weapon in the house with me” says Thomas.

At it’s current pace, 2015 is poised to set a record for gun sales in Florida.

Police say shoppers were right to flee the mall when they thought they heard shots. they stress Run, Hide or Fight if you find yourself in what you believe to be a life threatening situation.