State Police Release Firearms Denial and Easter Weekend Enforcement Statistics

The Pennsylvania State Police have released new data highlighting firearm purchase denials and enforcement activity during the Easter holiday weekend.

Firearms Purchase Denials Increase in Early 2026

According to state police, the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) processed 293,713 background checks during the first quarter of 2026, an increase from 261,878 during the same period in 2025.

A total of 4,543 individuals were denied the ability to purchase a firearm or obtain a license to carry, up from 3,811 denials in the first quarter of last year.

Of those denials, 930 cases were referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation, compared to 1,152 referrals during the same period in 2025. Referrals were distributed among state police, municipal departments, and federal authorities.

State police also reported that 23 individuals were taken into custody on active warrants during attempted firearm purchases, slightly down from 28 in the first quarter of 2025.

Officials note that investigations may be initiated when individuals provide false information during the background check process or are otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.

Easter Weekend Crash and Enforcement Data Released

Separate data released by state police outlines enforcement activity and crash investigations during the Easter holiday weekend, from April 3 through April 5.

Troopers investigated 532 crashes statewide, including six fatal crashes that resulted in six deaths. Impaired driving was identified as a factor in 42 of those crashes, including two fatal incidents.

In addition to crash investigations, state police made 286 arrests for driving under the influence during the three-day period.

Troopers also issued thousands of traffic citations, including:

• 3,230 for speeding
• 335 for seat belt violations
• 40 for child safety seat violations

Overall enforcement activity remained similar to 2025, when state police investigated 527 crashes and made 282 DUI arrests during the same holiday period.

State police noted that the statistics reflect only incidents handled by PSP and do not include responses from other law enforcement agencies across the state.