Guns sales have been on the rise since the start of pandemic, most likely due the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and also due to increased racial tensions nationwide and here in Maine. We'll learn about the demographic makeup of new gun owners, such as more women and minorities, and why societal conditions are causing people to purchase firearms. We'll also discuss the health and safety concerns associated with this surge in gun sales.
Guests
Matt Lang, associate professor of teaching, Department of Economics, University of California Riverside
Kristine Blake (call-in), co-owner, Liberty Tree Arms gun shop, Waldoboro
Geoff Bickford (call-in), executive director, Maine Gun Safety Coalition
David Trahan (call-in), executive director, Sportman’s Alliance of Maine
Resources
- Pandemic, presidential politics and civil unrest are driving people to buy guns in Maine
- Gun sales in Maine appear to be spiking, again, and growing toward record levels
- Pandemic gun-buying binge crosses party lines
- Pandemics, Protests and Firearms
- David Trahan: Douglas Rooks column got gun shops all wrong
- The Pandemic Has Researchers Worried About Teen Suicide
