Pawnshops in Decatur, Ga., have reported increased firearm sales after a crime spree that saw two men killed and multiple houses shot up. Decatur is located in a central portion of the Atlanta metropolitan area, and large cities across the country have seen rising violent crime rates in the wake of the Baltimore riots.
One encouraging aspect of this story is the narrative from public officials. Sheriff Ana Franklin of nearby Morgan County embraced armed citizens when she said, “For the folks who are purchasing their weapon legally and are responsible gun owners, I don’t see that as a problem.” Decatur Police Chief Ed Taylor dismissed a question about more guns leading to more crime: “I have a lot of confidence in our community and our residents. I don’t think that’s going to happen.” We applaud the residents of Decatur and surrounding areas for taking their safety into their own hands.
