Gun Sales Up In State Since September Attack

 HARTFORD (AP) –– A rising number of Connecticut residents reached for a gun last month following the deadliest terrorist attacks ever in the United States.

State residents bought 5,397 guns last month, an increase of 41 percent since September 2000, state police say. The sharp increase in gun sales is attributed to heightened fears and insecurity since the World Trade Center towers were destroyed by a terrorist attack September 11, state Trooper Roger Beaupre said.

“It’s an understandable reaction at a time when America has been attacked, but we’re concerned that all these new gun owners might not be properly educated about how to handle them,” he said.

He spoke Monday at the annual First Monday gun violence prevention program in Hartford. More than 600,000 guns are registered in Connecticut, and 125,000 gun owners hold permits, he said. advocates for gun violence prevention must work harder to persuade state residents that guns are not necessary.