Over the past decade, the number of concealed-carry gun permits in Kentucky has risen from 11,000 issued in 2004 to 60,000 issued in 2013.
The increase has happened as Kentucky's General Assembly has made it easier to own and carry guns. Law changes include allowing people to have concealed guns in their cars and elimination of a six-month residency requirement for a concealed-carry license.
Kentucky's gun laws have ranked consistently among the country's most lenient. The law Center to Prevent Gun Violence gave the state an "F" rating. But state lawmakers say loosening gun laws is popular among their constituents, some of whom are concerned about self-defense and others of whom are worried that their the federal government will move to restrict gun ownership.