In response to the horrific act of violence that killed 17 children and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida just two weeks ago, Walmart will no longer sell firearms and ammunition to anyone under the age of 21. The announcement comes after Walmart revealed in a statement that the company reviewed their policy on firearm sales “in light of recent events.”
Walmart will also prohibit the sale of toys and airsoft guns that resemble assault-style rifles. “Our heritage as a company has always been in serving sportsmen and hunters, and we will continue to do so in a responsible way,” the statement reads.
With the federal government struggling to come to a unified agreement on how to properly address the staggering number of mass shootings that have occurred in this country we need to rely on everyone doing their part to remedy this ongoing problem. Dick’s Sporting Goods also took a step forward by immediately banning the sale of assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines, as well as raising the age of a person allowed to purchase a gun to 21 years old. Now, Walmart is following their lead.
As the largest retailer in the United States, Walmart's move might impact other retailers that carry firearms.