Walmart Will No Longer Sell Certain Ammunition or Allow Open Carry in Wake of Store Shootings

Walmart Will No Longer Sell Certain Ammunition or Allow Open Carry in Wake of Store Shootings

After shootings in El Paso, Texas and Southaven Mississippi, Walmart’s CEO says it will stop selling handguns completely and ask customers not to openly carry their firearms in stores.

In response to recent shootings at two Walmart stores that claimed over two dozen lives,the company announced Tuesdaythat it will stop selling certain kinds of ammunition and discontinue handgun sales in Alaska, signifying Walmart’s complete exit from the handgun market.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon wrote in a statement that the policy changes were a direct result of two tragedies that took place in late July and early August:the July 30 killingof two Walmart managers by a disgruntled worker in Southaven, Mississippi andthe hate-fueled mass shooting in El Paso, Texason Aug. 3 that led to 22 deaths.

“We have been focused on store safety and security,” McMillon said. “We’ve also been listening to a lot of people inside and outside our company as we think about the role we can play in helping to make the country safer. It’s clear to us that the status quo is unacceptable.”

Now, Walmart stores will no longer sell short-barrel rifle ammunition, including .223 caliber and 5.56 caliber, because they can be used in large capacity clips on military-style weapons often used by mass killers. In addition, the company will no longer sell handgun ammunition nationwide or sell handguns in Alaska, the only state that Walmart continued to sell them after discontinuing handgun sales in the 1990s. McMillon wrote that the retailer will focused on the needs of hunting and sport shooting enthusiasts.

Outside of changes to Walmart’s gun and ammunition offerings, McMillon said his workers will now stop customers from openly carrying their weapons in stores. In the days and weeks after the El Paso shooting, multiple people attempted to carry their weapons into Walmart locations, includinga Missouri man who was arrestedfor walking into a Walmart wearing body armor and holding a rifle.

While McMillon said some customers acted lawfully and inadvertently caused fear and store evacuations, the company would like to put a stop to the incidents entirely.

“These incidents are concerning and we would like to avoid them, so we are respectfully requesting that customers no longer openly carry firearms into our stores or Sam’s Clubs in states where ‘open carry’ is permitted – unless they are authorized law enforcement officers,” McMillon wrote.

He added that Walmart employees will treat “law-abiding customers with respect” and have a “very non-confrontational approach” in requesting that shoppers leave their weapons behind. Signs communicating the new policy will be posted around stores in coming weeks.

Gun control advocates and several Democratic presidential candidates applauded the move alongside calls for stronger action from Congress and Republican lawmakers. The National Rifle Association called the decision “shameful” and argued it would not make Americans any safer.

In his statement, McMillon said the company’s leadership supports strengthened background checks and removing weapons from people who have been determined to pose an imminent danger through “red flag laws.”

“We do not sell military-style rifles, and we believe the reauthorization of the Assault Weapons ban should be debated to determine its effectiveness,” McMillon said. “As we’ve seen before, these horrific events occur and then the spotlight fades. We should not allow that to happen. Congress and the administration should act.”

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.