Walmart announces it will discontinue selling handguns and specific types of ammunition, further tightening its firearms policies after two tragic shootings at its stores last month left at least 24 people dead. CEO Doug McMillon states the decision reflects an “unacceptable” status quo and highlights the retail giant’s commitment to promote safety, while also indicating that this move is expected to reduce Walmart’s market share of ammunition sales from roughly 20% to as low as 6%.
The company plans to halt sales of ammunition for handguns and short-barrel rifles as it sells through existing stock, but will maintain sales of long-barrel deer rifles and shotguns. This policy shift follows mounting pressure from gun-control advocacy groups and reflects a broader industry trend toward more stringent regulations, especially after the El Paso shooting that involved an assault rifle. McMillon, who identifies as a gun owner, urges lawmakers to consider “common sense measures” like more rigorous background checks.
Read full story at www.texastribune.org
