[Correspondent Diary] The Presidential Election Is Frightening... Americans Buying Guns

Surge in US Gun Sales...Increase in First-Time Buyers and Ammunition Shortages
Preparing for Potential Spread of Post-Election Protests Amid COVID-19 Social Turmoil

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Americans are flocking to gun stores. Some ammunition is so scarce that shortages are occurring. Why is this happening? It is analyzed that fear of chaos that may occur after the presidential election on November 3 is arming Americans.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Andrea Garland, a 44-year-old woman living in New York State, bought a shotgun to protect her children. Garland managed to get a gun but there is no ammunition, so she visits Walmart every week to check, but it is always sold out. Garland expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "There are always no bullets." In the U.S., hunting firearms are also sold at large supermarkets and sporting goods stores.

From the beginning of this year until last September, the number of background checks for gun sales reached 28.8 million, surpassing last year's total of 28.4 million. The number of background checks usually moves in the same direction as gun sales.

Survey results showing an increase in first-time gun buyers also reflect this change. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, first-time buyers accounted for 40% of total gun sales this year. Not only gun purchases but also shooting lessons are attracting many students.

With strong gun sales, the stock price of Smith & Wesson, the largest handgun company in the U.S., soared from around $4 in March to about $16 recently.

In recent years, gun sales have repeatedly surged whenever there were moves to regulate purchases due to major gun incidents, but this year there is a different reason.

Along with the spread of social anxiety caused by COVID-19, the increasing likelihood of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden defeating President Donald Trump is further fueling gun purchasing sentiment.

This phenomenon reflects concerns that if Biden appears to be leading in the election, forces supporting President Trump may carry out armed protests.

A woman in her 60s said in an interview with major foreign media, "This election could cause chaos and bloodshed regardless of who wins," adding, "I want to be ready to load at any time."

Even if President Trump wins, the prevailing view is that gun sales will continue to increase. Experts expect that even if Biden loses, tensions surrounding the election will not easily dissipate, so many Americans are understood to be purchasing firearms for self-defense.

It is not only individuals who are worried about post-election protests. The New York City Police Department is preparing for the spread of protests around the election. Various scenarios are being considered, including interference with voting and counting, ballot box seizures, and protests against the election results. All New York City police officers must undergo two days of training for protest response. This is the first time in over a decade.

The financial difficulties of state governments triggered by the COVID-19 crisis are also cited as a factor encouraging individuals to arm themselves. State governments facing financial collapse due to COVID-19 urgently need to cut budgets. The police, which provided the starting point for the Black Lives Matter movement, are a representative target for budget cuts. Proposals to reduce police budgets and use the funds for social welfare are taking place in municipalities across the U.S., including New York City.

While some support reducing police budgets, those who fear an increase in crime are heading to gun stores to defend themselves.