Requests for a concealed carry gun permit are at an all time high in Allegheny County.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Kevin Kraus isn't sure why so many are applying for gun permits.
The surge in applications started about the same time as the Coronavirus pandemic, says Chief Deputy Sheriff Kevin Kraus whose office processes permits.
"I would say this started probably in April and we kind of linked it to COVID," he said.
On the application most people say they want a gun for self defense. "They want to get these licenses to carry for self defense. They have concern about the unrest in the country," said Kraus.
How busy is the office? Kraus says before Covid they processed 40 to 80 applications a day. Now its 250 to 300.
Some are waiting 2-3 hours in the walk up line at the county Courthouse.