It has been over a month since an individual walked into a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, and opened fire, killing 22 individuals. Tuesday, Walmart Chief Executive Officer and President Doug McMillon officially announced major changes for the company moving forward.
In a letter to associates dated Tuesday, McMillon said Walmart plans to discontinue sales of short-barrel rifle ammunition commonly used in hunting rifles and — in some cases– in large capacity clips on military-style weapons. Plans are to also sell through the current inventory and then discontinue the sales of handgun ammunition nationwide and discontinue handgun sales in Alaska.
In addition, Walmart is asking customers not to openly carry firearms in stores, even in states where that activity is allowed.
This isn’t the first time Walmart has taken action on firearms. It stopped selling handguns and “military-style” rifles. It has also raised the purchasing age limit to 21 and it has required a background check “green light” instead of the federal standard of no red light. Walmart also videotapes sales and only allows trained employees to sell firearms and related goods.
KVOE News has reached out to Walmart for further comment. To view McMillon’s statement in its entirety click here.
