Gun permits

Minnesota sheriffs issued a record number of handgun carry permits in 2021.

Minnesota's sheriffs issued more firearms permits last year than in any other year since the state's Personal Protection Act was enacted.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office has issued over 2,100 gun permits so far this year.

Gun permit applications and activity at firings ranges in the Twin Cities are rising again after the nation's latest high-profile mass shooting.

Minnesota authorities issued about 41,000 permits to carry guns last year, down more than 30 percent from the year before.