Community Corner

More Michiganders Packing Heat Than Ever Before

A surge in concealed pistol licenses — up 250 percent in the past year — speaks to increased safety concerns.

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Beth Dalbey, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

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More than 497,000 Michigan residents have licenses to carry concealed pistols, and thousands more are expected to apply amid safety concerns sparked by a wave of terror attacks, ISIS-inspired violence and President Obama’s executive action earlier this month on gun control.

Since January 2015, the number of CPL holders has increased 250 percent, from 454,905. In 2009, just 180,380 of Michigan’s 9.9 million residents had concealed pistol licenses, according to data from the Michigan State Police.

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“People are becoming more aware of crime and more aware there are attacks like the one in San Bernardino and makes people think more about their personal safety,” Northville resident Will Luker, owner of U.S. Gun Classes, which offers safety courses throughout Michigan, told The Detroit News.

CPL holders must complete a safety class under Michigan law.

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One such class will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb.13, the Novi Police Department Training Center, 45125 Ten Mile Road. Registration forms are available online at cityofnovi.org and at the Novi Police Department. Participants must be 21 years old and do not have to be a Novi resident to attend.

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