Report: Concealed-carry permit holders have killed hundreds since 2007

Gun owners who were legally allowed to carry a firearm have killed more than 900 people in shootings that did not involve self-defense over the last decade, according to a new report from a gun control group.

The Violence Policy Center found at least 921 people have been killed by concealed-carry permit holders since 2007 during incidents ranging from mass shootings to suicides.

“As the gun lobby gears up to push for federally-mandated concealed carry, the facts show that far too many people with concealed carry permits commit horrendous crimes on a regular basis,” Kristen Rand, legislative director at the Violence Policy Center, said in a statement.

{mosads}“Sadly, it is no longer surprising when a mass shooter — such as the alleged Fort Lauderdale airport shooter — is legally licensed to carry a concealed firearm,” Rand added.

This report comes as Republicans in Congress push concealed-carry legislation that would allow permit holders to bring their guns out of state without breaking the law. 

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) introduced the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act earlier this month, while Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is expected to follow suit with his own version of the bill in the near future.

Proponents argue that concealed-carry permit holders are law-abiding citizens who do not present the same threat as criminals who will break the law to get their hands on guns.

The Violence Policy Center suggests its study proves differently.

The 921 deaths cited by the group since 2007, however, pale in comparison to the more than 36,000 shooting deaths during that time.

The Violence Policy Center points out that its study is not comprehensive and there may be more concealed-carry shootings not listed in its report.