National retailers announce new gun policies
Dick’s Sporting Goods announced Wednesday it will no longer be selling certain firearms and related items after following the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High school.
While the new position doesn’t directly affect the Canyon Country location, as it does not directly sell firearms besides airsoft rifles and paintball guns, it would effect stores in the surrounding areas, such as Lancaster.
Officials with the sporting goods chain admitted that they had sold the parkland shooter a shotgun in November 2017, though it was not the weapon the gunman used in the shooting.
“We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens.” said Edward Stack, Dick’s chairman and CEO, in a press release. “But we have to help solve the problem that’s in front of us. Gun violence is an epidemic that’s taking the lives of too many people, including the brightest hope for the future of America—our kids.”
Starting today Dick’s has started the following policies:
They will no longer sell assault-style rifles, also referred to as modern sporting rifles.
The sporting goods chain will no longer sell firearms to anyone under 21 years of age.
They will no longer sell high capacity magazines.
They never have and never will sell bump stocks that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire more rapidly.
Walmart also issued a statement in regards to their firearm policies.
“In light of recent events, we’ve taken an opportunity to review our policy on firearm sales,” the statement reads.
“Going forward, we are raising the age restriction for purchase of firearms and ammunition to 21 years of age. We will update our processes as quickly as possible to implement this change.”
In 2015, Walmart ended sales of modern sporting rifles, including the AR-15.
They also do not sell handguns, except in Alaska where they feel they should continue to offer them to their customers.
“Additionally, we do not sell bump stocks, high-capacity magazines and similar accessories. We have a process to monitor our eCommerce marketplace and ensure our policies are applied,” the statement reads.
“We take seriously our obligation to be a responsible seller of firearms and go beyond Federal law by requiring customers to pass a background check before purchasing any firearm. The law would allow the sale of a firearm if no response to a background check request has been received within three business days, but our policy prohibits the sale until an approval is given. Walmart has announce they will no longer be selling firearms or ammunition to people under the age of 21.”