MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Following the Texas church shooting, Myrtle Beach gun shops have seen some new customers who want to become more familiar with firearms in order to feel safe.
With two deadly mass shootings in 35 days, first in Las Vegas and most recently Texas, some Myrtle Beach community members have felt compelled to learn more about gun safety and even get their license to carry.
A group of people took their license to carry test Wednesday in Myrtle Beach, some of whom, have never carried a weapon.
Attendees of a concealed to carry class at Myrtle Beach’s 707 gun shop on Wednesday said Texas was ‘the last straw’ and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
One woman in the class said she wants to be able to protect her family, and that she was inspired by the neighbor who was able to go after the shooter in Texas and stop him from killing more people. One man says he has only used a gun for hunting and never considered getting a license to carry, until now.
“Basically, this week, it’s been… I don’t want that situation to happen to me and I don’t have a chance to defend myself,” explains conceal carry student Lee Sargant.
Sueann Torres was also in the class and says he has had his license to carry for 10 years and is renewing it because he knows in an active shooter situation the police can’t always get to the scene fast enough.
“Because the situation in Las Vegas, and the past situation in Texas, because if I can help people in the same situation. I have my license. I have the training. I can help them,” explains Torres.
707 Shooting instructor, Laura Longo said in her concealed classes students have discussed creating safety teams for their churches so that designated people carry a gun during services.
“So that designated people in their church are carrying firearms, they aren’t letting the whole congregation carry them and I think that’s very good that they are aware,” Longo said.
