The state police in Harrisburg announced Tuesday that the third quarter of 2020 was the busiest in history for the system that performs instant background checks on those looking to purchase a firearm.

In the third quarter of 2019, the Pennsylvania Instant Check System saw 225,214 checks conducted with 2,802 denied. Of the total checks, 21 people were arrested for an outstanding warrant at the time.

In the same period this year, 406,151 checks were conducted by the instant check system with 6,950 denied. The total number of those arrested for warrants was 93.

The highest volume day in the 22-year history of instant check system was Nov. 24, 2017, when 9,178 checks were completed.

The highest volume day in the third quarter of 2020 was July 23 at 7,120 checks.

More than 1,000 denials in both time periods were referred to law enforcement, either on the state, local or federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives agency level.

The news release from the state police explained it is a third degree felony to make false statements or provide false identification to deceive a firearm seller.