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Norwalk’s Gun Permits Rise Before New Law Is Enacted

NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk has seen a steep increase in gun permit applications since the Newtown school shooting in December, with numbers rising even as the legislature discussed tougher gun controls, which Gov. Dannel Malloy signed into law Thursday.

The number of gun permit requests in Norwalk has risen dramatically in recent months.

The number of gun permit requests in Norwalk has risen dramatically in recent months.

Photo Credit: Flickr user zombieite

In the first three months of 2013, the Norwalk Police Department was averaging 108 gun permit requests per month, up from an average of 32 per month for all of 2012, according to data obtained from the police department.

“Those numbers have increased,” Deputy Chief David Wrinn said.

The 2013 increase is even more significant when compared with 2011 and 2010. In 2011, the average number of gun permit requests in Norwalk was about 18 per month, and in 2010, the monthly average was just under 16.

The Newtown shooting occurred Dec. 14, and gun permit requests spiked in November and December in Norwalk to 46 for each month. In January, the number of gun permit requests reached 85.

Malloy signed the sweeping reforms Thursday, after weeks of talks, which served as a catalyst for some residents to quickly apply for permits before the law took effect.

The law banned certain firearms in the state. Those with such weapons do not have to turn them in but must register them by Jan. 1. Also banned were high-capacity clips, or magazines, that can carry more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Again, those with such magazines must register them by Jan. 1.

Universal background checks must now be conducted for all firearm purchases in the state, and a deadly weapon offender registry will be established by Jan. 1 containing names of people who have been convicted of offenses committed with a deadly weapon.

Click here to read all of Connecticut’s new gun control laws.

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