Minnesota County Opens New Permit Office As Applications Rise

posted on May 7, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

There’s a run on people choosing to carry firearms for self-defense in Minnesota, so much so that many counties can’t keep up with application requests. In fact, it’s an increase of 16 percent since 2014. This overflow has caused Minnesota’s Hennepin County to open a second full-time permit-to-carry office. 

Sheriff Rich Stanek pointed to recent shootings, a rise in violent crime, even Obama administration policies as reasons for the rise. However, he believes the increased interest in self-defense is a good sign. “We’ve had very few problems with those who have concealed-carry permits,” Stanek said. “We've had a number of instances when those with concealed-carry permits have stepped in to help average citizens who have been victims of violent crime.”

At Arnzen Arms in Eden Prairie, Minn., employees say the increased information available to gun-buyers is also leading the spike. Shop worker Adam Maxell said, “We generally talk to them two or three times before they actually buy the gun.”

Latest

Start Hearing, SoundGear graphic
Start Hearing, SoundGear graphic

New NRA Partners For Hearing Health

Start Hearing and SoundGear, divisions of Starkey, have partnered with the NRA to promote hearing health among members.

Important Notice To Members: Exercise Your Rights, Assist In The Nomination Of Directors

The NRA Bylaws provide for the election of one-third of the members of the Board of Directors each year. This means that the terms of office of 25 Board members will expire at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Members next year.

NRA Media’s New Executive Director

NRA Media is proud to introduce Mike Sanford as executive director of NRA Media.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms

5 Reasons the Second Amendment Should Not Be Political

The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. It is not a tool of one political party but rather is a right for all Americans, regardless of their background, income or voting history.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.