Minnesotans Face Months-Long Delays in Obtaining Gun-Carry Permits

Residents who want to carry a gun to defend themselves in Minnesota are facing unprecedented hurdles as permit wait times skyrocket amid record demand. 

As many first-time gun buyers attempt to transition into first-time gun-carriers in the aftermath of rioting in Minneapolis, many are being told they will have to wait months just to turn in their application—well beyond the 30-day window set out in state law. Other Minnesotans are being told they can't renew their current permits until after they've already expired.  

The backlog has caused significant consternation among gun owners—a key voting bloc in the pivotal swing state. If state officials are unable or unwilling to bring wait times down, it could motivate gun owners to turn out at higher levels in 2020 and beyond.