Guns - a two-fer

First - from the Indianapolis, IN ABC affiliate RTV6:

Gun sales surge after recent home break-ins
The recent increase in home break-ins and robberies has led to a surge in gun sales.

The owner of Indy Trading Post said more people are buying guns, applying for carry permits and signing up for gun safety courses.

"We've seen a large increase in people coming in that have been in those areas where the home invasions have taken place," owner Brian Ludlow said.

Ludlow stressed the importance of firearms education and safety, but he believes having a gun could prevent somebody from becoming a victim.

"These guys aren't coming in being nice about it. Most of these criminals are armed when they come in. So by arming yourself you are evening out the playing field," Ludlow said.

Annette Pierson said she was concerned about making sure her family was protected.

"I've been a gun owner, but I'm exercising it more with the training, the education and becoming skilled with it," Pierson said. "I will be taking their class. Their last class was full. So I'm definitely going to be taking their class, my daughter-in-law, my children, my family, we all believe in our right to bear arms and protect our families."

Classes are already full for November and are filling up quickly for December, but private lessons are still available. A two-hour lesson will cost about $80.

State police records showed a steady increase in gun permit requests over the last year.

In the third quarter of the year alone, more than 60,000 people in Marion County have applied for a gun permit.

I would question the 60,000 number as the 2010 Census puts the population of Marion County at 38,894. The number may be referring to the population of Illinois proper which was 12,875,255 in 2010. Second - from Breitbart:

Gonzaga Students Threatened with Expulsion for Using Gun to Fend Off Intruder
Two Gonzaga University students are facing expulsion for using a handgun to defend themselves when a six-time felon broke into their home.

In late October, Erik Fagan and Dan McIntosh were in campus housing located off the main campus when John Taylor pushed through their door and entered the dwelling. Taylor had "six prior convictions" and was "arrested later that night on an unrelated charge."

According to the Daily Mail, Taylor said he was looking for money so McIntosh pulled a handgun when he entered the dwelling. Upon seeing the gun Taylor left the premises.

Said McIntosh: "I drew on Mr. Taylor and [he] fled immediately." He added: "[Mr. Taylor] did not stick around to see if I was serious or not, [but] I was completely serious with that man."

Because of the presence of the gun in the dwelling, Gonzaga's board began taking steps to expel both McIntosh and Fagan on November 7. At the same time, administrators are reviewing the school's firearm policy.

The two students should learn their fate during the coming week.

I hope that Gonzaga does the right thing and praise the two students for their action.