Concealed gun permits hit record 16 million, 50% rate in Pa. county

Driven by safety concerns and reports of terrorist attacks, more Americans than ever have applied for and received permits to carry concealed pistols, and in one Pennsylvania county dubbed “God’s Country,” over half of all adults are licensed to carry, according to a new report.

The research from economist John Lott’s Crime Prevention Center shows that permit granting has continued to surge under President Trump, dispelling expectations that having a pro-gun chief executive in the White House would lead to a dramatic downturn in applications.