Oregon Concealed-Carry Interest Surges After School Shooting

Following the Oct. 15 shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, 204 Deschutes County residents signed up to begin applying for concealed handgun licenses in five days, a sharp rise from the county’s typical pace of about 27 new licenses per week. Sheriff Ty Rupert said interest in concealed carry often increases after major incidents and that residents are weighing their personal and family safety. The sheriff’s office arranged additional training, with reports saying a new class filled quickly and more classes were being considered. Oregon applicants must complete approved safety training, pass a background check and meet age, residency and other eligibility requirements; Rupert also urged prospective gun owners to understand the law and practice safe handling and storage.