Firearms Instructors See More Students

RICHMOND DALE — Firearms instructor Jennifer Blake usually starts her classes by asking her students why they want a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

If they answer the question — some choose not to — they typically point to a desire to protect themselves and their families at home. However, in the past two weeks, a number of Blake’s students have cited the recent shootings in Newtown, Conn., a tragedy that unfolded in an elementary school, as a motivating factor.

“A year ago, we had people who were 70, 80, 90 years old — elderly people who might be more susceptible (to home invasions) because they’re weaker,” she said.

Now, Blake’s students are skewing younger, and many of them are parents of school-age children, she said.