Police in Philly stop issuing carry permits

PHILADELPHIA — The coronavirus pandemic has led to a rush to purchase firearms and ammunition in the Philadelphia region and across Pennsylvania, leading to long lines at some gun shops.

But the Philadelphia Police Department has shut down its gun-permits unit. Firearm owners without a license-to-carry permit will, in almost all circumstances, not be able to carry the weapons without risking arrest.

Sheriff’s offices in Montgomery, Allegheny and at least five Pennsylvania other counties have done the same, according to gun-rights groups that have been tracking the shutdowns.

Inspector Sekou Kinebrew, a Philadelphia police spokesperson, said the city stopped processing permits on Tuesday.

“Because this entire pandemic is inherently fluid, we can’t predict how long it will be closed,” Kinebrew said.

The unit, located on Erie Avenue in North Philadelphia, had received about 1,900 licenseto-carry permits since the beginning of February until it shut down.

Carrying a firearm without a permit is a third-degree felony, unless the person is otherwise eligible for a gun permit. In that case, it’s typically downgraded to a misdemeanor, Kinebrew said.

As a result of the pandemic, police in Philadelphia are delaying arrests for some crimes — including narcotics offenses, thefts, burglary and prostitution — but Kinebrew said Friday that officers would continue to arrest people carrying a firearm without a permit.