Tenn. Handgun Carry Applications Up 113 Since Newtown Shootings

Applications for Tennessee handgun carry permits have increased by more than 100 percent this year, the Knoxville News reports.

The state Department of Safety and Homeland Security says it accepted 86,334 handgun carry permit applications from Jan. 1 through June 30, the newspaper noted. That's more than double the 40,503 applications accepted during the first six months of 2012 — a whopping increase of 113 percent.

States officials told the News the exact reason for the surge is unclear.

"We have experienced a steady increase since the shooting in Newtown, Conn., last December" that killed 20 elementary school children and six adults, said But Jennifer Donnals, a spokeswoman for the department.