Handgun permits skyrocket in Wake County

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has issued about 47,000 pistol purchase permits so far this year, almost four times the number from last year, the Wake County Sheriff's Office said Friday.

In 2019, the sheriff's office handled 12,616 permits, and the number was 12,229 in 2018.

“Wake County residents should be proud of the work of the gun permits staff,” Sheriff Gerald Baker said in a statement. “Despite having to deal with an unprecedented demand for permits, while dealing with a pandemic and major election on the state and federal levels, this staff is determined to serve this county with determination, dedication and sacrifice.”

Demand for pistol purchase permits was higher in Wake County than anywhere else in North Carolina, Baker said.

The avalanche of permit applications pushed the time to approve them out to 70 days at one point, but authorities said the processing time is now back down to the 14-day period specified by state law.