Arizona's gun-buying binge: By the numbers
In the aftermath of last weekend's shootings, residents of the Grand Canyon state are buying firearms at record rates. Here's a look at the arms race
After Jared Lee Loughner allegedly killed six people and wounded 13 others in Tucson last Saturday, the national discussion turned again to gun-control, albeit with little expectation of change. Saturday's rampage has already had a tangible effect, however: Americans, and particularly Arizonans, are buying more guns. (Watch an al Jazeera report about rising gun sales.) Since Saturday, sales of glocks (the weapon Loughner reportedly used) and other firearms have surged in the state — a reaction that's consistent with the aftermaths of other much-publicized shootings such as 2007's Virginia Tech attacks. "When something like this happens," says one Arizona gun-store owner quoted by Bloomberg, "people get worried that the government is going to ban stuff." Here's a look at Arizona's gun-buying binge by the numbers:
260
Handguns sold in Arizona on the Monday after the January 8, 2011 shooting
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
164
Handguns sold on a corresponding Monday in January, 2010
$499
Price for a Glock at two popular "Glockmeister" stores in Arizona
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Glock 19
The model Loughner allegedly used in his attack, one of the past week's most popular purchases
65
Percent increase in gun sales in Ohio last week, as compared to 2010. Illinois saw a 38 percent jump; New York's sales ticked up by 33 percent.
5
Percent increase in total American gun sales the week after the shooting, compared to 2010
2
Score, out of 100, that Arizona receives on the Brady Campaign's scorecard for state gun laws
2004
Year the Federal Assault Weapons Ban expired, making it legal for Loughner to purchase the clip he allegedly used in the shooting
33
Rounds Loughner was allegedly able to fire before reloading
49
Percent increase in background checks by gun owners conducted the week before Barack Obama was inaugurated — a reaction to fear that he would push for safety reforms
60
Percent increase in request for handgun permits Virgina saw in 2007, the year of the Virgina Tech massacre
Sources: Bloomberg, New York Daily News, CNN, CBS News
-
Who were the ‘weekend snipers’ of Sarajevo?Under the Radar Italian authorities launch investigation into allegations far-right gun enthusiasts paid to travel to Bosnian capital and shoot civilians ‘for fun’ during the four-year siege
-
A free speech debate is raging over sign language at the White HouseTalking Points The administration has been accused of excluding deaf Americans from press briefings
-
Glinda vs. Elphaba, Jennifer Lawrence vs. postpartum depression and wilderness vs. progress in November moviesthe week recommends This month’s new releases include ‘Wicked: For Good,’ ‘Die My Love’ and ‘Train Dreams’
-
Has Zohran Mamdani shown the Democrats how to win again?Today’s Big Question New York City mayoral election touted as victory for left-wing populists but moderate centrist wins elsewhere present more complex path for Democratic Party
-
Millions turn out for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ ralliesSpeed Read An estimated 7 million people participated, 2 million more than at the first ‘No Kings’ protest in June
-
Ghislaine Maxwell: angling for a Trump pardonTalking Point Convicted sex trafficker's testimony could shed new light on president's links to Jeffrey Epstein
-
The last words and final moments of 40 presidentsThe Explainer Some are eloquent quotes worthy of the holders of the highest office in the nation, and others... aren't
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are US billionaires backing?The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration