The Marietta Police Department usually hosts two or three firearms safety seminars each year. On average there are 100 people in attendance.

The seminar on Thursday, Jan. 24, has had an overwhelming amount of public interest. As of Wednesday, almost 700 people had registered to attend the  event at the Marietta Middle School Auditorium, 121 Winn St., at 6:30 p.m.

"Because of the importance of this topic we chose to accept everyone that wanted to attend," Marietta Police Public Information Officer David Baldwin said. "We wanted to leave no one behind. That, of course, is the main reason that we had to find another venue to accommodate the incredible surge in registration requests." 

The seminar is usually held at the Marietta City Hall Council Chambers.

The gun seminar will cover:

• Firearm/Weapon Safety (handling and storage)
• In depth discussion on firearm/weapon laws, concealed carry in GA, “stand your ground” law, use of force
• Recommended Home Defense Weapons
• Civilian Model Stun Guns and electronic control devices
• Carry/Use of Pepper Spray

“This program has been developed to educate the citizens on current firearm laws and weapon safety.  We want to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills so they feel confident owning and handling a firearm or weapon if they choose to do so," Sergeant Jake King of the Marietta Police Training Unit said.

This seminar is lecture based, and citizens are not required to bring anything.  Information packets will be provided to attendees. Do not bring any firearms or weapons to the seminar.