Pandemic, protests, politics driving US gun sales

Huge increase in the number of people that are first-time gun owners

Published: October 07, 2020 13:00 AFP and Compiled by Devadasan K P, Picture Editor

1 of 13

Students fire AR-15 semi-automatic rifles during a shooting course at Boondocks Firearms Academy in Jackson, Mississippi. From the countryside to the cities, Americans are engaged in a frenzy of gun-buying fueled by the pandemic, protests and politics. Image Credit: AFP

2 of 13

A student fires a hand gun during a shooting course at Boondocks Firearms Academy in Jackson, Mississippi. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 13

Chad Winkler, general manager of the Boondocks Firearms Academy teaches a student during a hand gun shooting course. "We've seen a huge increase in the number of people that are first-time gun owners and also first-time class attendees," Winkler said. "We've seen a big increase in that, probably, you know, a 50 to 60 percent increase in normal classes." "At this point they're just so many new gun buyers that the manufacturers are really having a hard time keeping up with that," Winkler said. Prices have soared because of the demand. One of Winkler's customers said he just bought a semi-automatic rifle for $800 which usually costs $499. Image Credit: AFP

4 of 13

Alycia Brewer looks on as she attends an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle shooting course. Alycia Brewer and her husband have purchased AR15 semi-automatic rifles for "personal protection" and are taking the course at the Boondocks Academy. "Most Americans should be concerned," Brewer said. "Because we want to keep our rights, our Second Amendment rights, because that's what our country was founded on." Image Credit: AFP

5 of 13

President Donald Trump has sought to blame the violence on the "radical left," and claims that only his reelection on November 3 can reestablish "law and order." Above, an instructor (C) teaches hand gun shooting course at Boondocks Firearms Academy in Jackson. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 13

In New York City, where firearm laws are stricter than in Mississippi, there is a long wait for gun licenses. John DeLoca, the owner of Seneca Sporting Range in Queens, said applications for gun licenses in New York City used to have to be processed in six months. "Now they're backlogged a good 14 months," DeLoca said. Image Credit: AFP

7 of 13

Harriet Hurley loads bullets into the magazine of AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. Image Credit: AFP

8 of 13

9 of 13

10 of 13

An instructor (R) teaches handling of AR-15 semi-automatic rifles. Image Credit: AFP

11 of 13

Empty bullet shells are seen on the ground of Boondocks Firearms Academy in Jackson, Mississippi. Image Credit: AFP

12 of 13

An instructor (3rd R) teaches an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle course at Boondocks Firearms Academy in Jackson, Mississippi. Image Credit: AFP

13 of 13

A student places AR-15 semi-automatic rifles in a safe area during a shooting course. Image Credit: AFP

Photos News

Pandemic, protests, politics driving US gun sales

More From Photos

Biden again warns Netanyahu as Rafah invasion looms

Judge warns Trump of potential jail time for violating gag order

Columbia cancels university-wide commencement ceremony after Gaza war protests

Astronaut Sunita Williams to fly to space again on first crewed mission of Boeing's Starliner

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Pandemic, protests, politics driving US gun sales

More From Photos

Biden again warns Netanyahu as Rafah invasion looms

Judge warns Trump of potential jail time for violating gag order

Columbia cancels university-wide commencement ceremony after Gaza war protests

Astronaut Sunita Williams to fly to space again on first crewed mission of Boeing's Starliner

GULFNEWS SECTIONS