There’s been a significant uptick in the number of applications for gun permits in Freeborn County.

Sheriff Bob Kindler said starting Monday there has been a large increase in the number of people wanting applications to purchase a handgun.

“It’s not typical for this time of year,” Kindler said.

While he typically sees three to four applications per day, since Monday he’s had 10 to 15 each day. While there is usually a small increase in applications around the holiday season, Kindler said this uptick can’t be attributed to just gifts.

Dwaine Winkels, director of public safety for the city of Albert Lea, said any time gun control is being discussed on the national level that there’s a surge of people wanting gun permits.

“We’ve seen a lot more in the last few days than we normally do,” Winkels said. “It’s gone up significantly.”

Winkels said that anytime there’s discussion among politicians about the possibility of more restrictions or a ban permits go up. He also said some people want to buy guns to be able to resell them for profit after prices go up.

Other areas of the state are seeing similar increases. Anoka County set a one-day record on Monday and Tuesday, and Hennepin County received double the amount of applications that are usually received earlier this week. Kindler agreed that it’s an increase that’s seen all over.

“I don’t think we’re different from any other place; other reports from other law enforcement agencies show increases,” Kindler said.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.