Many Americans are frantically buying household products, food, and guns in the face of potential quarantines. Deborah Villalon reports for KTVU Fox 2 that people are afraid of a breakdown in essential services, like policing. Arming themselves is a precaution against looting and violence in the face of police shortages. She reports:
Also seeing a big surge: Gun dealers.
“I’ve sold 12 handguns in two hours,” said Gabriel Vaughn, owner of the Sportman’s Arms in Petaluma, laying the guns out on his store counter.
Purchases during the past week are five times normal, and ammunition too.
“Any time people are uneasy, sales go up, and it’s always the same, guns and ammo,” said Vaughn.
A Novato father and son were shopping for a gun, but not out of fear.
“It does seem a little out of control, but people react they way they react,” said Doug Michener, who planning to buy son Dimitri a gun for his 21st birthday.
Both men understand why people might be motivated to arm themselves.
“If our police force gets infected, who’s patrolling the streets, who’s going to keep us safe?”, posed Dimitri.
“You don’t want to get looted, you don’t want people to get your stuff so you want to protect yourself and your family.”
While this may seem like an extreme step, looting was rampant in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. In the Rockaways, Queens, looters were out in force, despite an increased police presence.
If you or your family are considering a first-time gun purchase, please take the time to get whatever training you can with your firearm. Knowing how to safely, accurately, and reliably use your firearm is just as important as owning one. If you haven’t already, it’s time to get your gun and your training, now.
