The explosion of racial violence in Charlotte, N.C. has led to a gun buying spree by locals worried about their safety.

At Hyatt Guns, one of the nation's largest, staff arrived Thursday morning after the second night of riots and encountered a line of buyers.

"First off, our prayers are with law enforcement this morning. People are afraid. They see lunacy in the streets being perpetrated by criminals and they are gearing up to protect themselves," Justin Anderson, director of marketing for Hyatt Guns told Secrets.

We ask for your prayers for our city. #prayforcharlotte — Hyatt Gun Shop (@HyattGuns) September 22, 2016



Anderson said that sales of self defense weapons has been swift this week, both in person and online.

"Sales last night were brisk. Most of the purchases were self defense shotguns and 12 gauge buckshot," he said.

"We had people waiting at the door this morning who are looking at similar guns. People that were on the fence about buying a gun prior to last night are now making that purchase," added Anderson.

The store is not far from the downtown violence, but has regular security and is so popular among local police that it recently set up an online store for police.

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com