State concealed carry applications in decline

SPRINGFIELD — Authorities say applications for concealed- carry permits have been generally declining in Illinois since the program launched three years ago.

The State Journal- Register reported Saturday that numbers provided by the Illinois State Police show nearly 104,000 people applied for the permits in 2014, and about 32,900 have applied so far this year. Therewas an increase between 2015, when 60,000 applied, and last year, which logged 76,000 applications.

Western Illinois University professor Todd Lough, a former Chicago Police officer, cited several likely reasons for the decline, including that the strongest supporters applied as soon they could. Another factor: the election of Republican President Donald Trump and a GOP- controlled Congress viewed as more gun- friendly and less likely to enact gun restrictions.

Lough said the limited number of places where people can carry concealed weapons also plays a role.

“The NRA and the gun manufacturers were pretty effective during the [ President Barack] Obama years of jimmying up fear among the population that new restrictions on gun ownership and Second Amendment rights might be just around the corner any moment,” Lough told the paper. “Now, you have a president and Congress dominated by individuals who are primarily pro- Second Amendment and anti- gun control. It’s hard to maintain the level of fear necessary to constantly be reinforcing gun sales.”