More seeking concealed gun permits in Cobb County - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

There's been a spike in applications for concealed weapons permits in Cobb County this week. Officials say it's in reaction to last week's tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Folks have lined up to apply for the permit at Cobb County Probate Court.

"The last couple of days, we've gotten well north of 70, 80 a day," said Cobb County Probate Court Chief Judge Killi Wolk.

Wolk says that's about three times as many applications as they usually receive. But she says it's not unusual to see a spike in numbers after a tragic mass shooting like the one in Connecticut.

"It's not off the chart, as a rule, that all of a sudden we have a big cloud of increase that is some kind of a reflection on a new era in society," Wolk said.

But across town, gun retailer Adventure Outdoors is seeing sales like they've never seen before.

Folks are lining up to buy coveted assault rifles for fear of what President Barack Obama will do after Newtown. In the past week, the store has broken all of its sales records in its 35-year history.

Licensed gun owner Jimmy Berman drove all the way from Cumming to inspect the firearms at the Smyrna store. He's not surprised that more people are interested in carrying a gun for protection.

"When they want to protect themselves, I want them to come in, tell me who they are. I can tell you it takes about seven weeks to get that permit back. So, it's very thorough," said Berman.

Weapons permits applications and firearm sales will likely continue to increase while Washington considers possible gun legislation.

Click here if you're interested in learning more about the concealed weapons permit application process.