- Walmart just overhauled its policy on guns, restricting sales of ammo and barring open carry in its stores.
- Critics and supporters alike have taken to Twitter to praise or bash Walmart for its decision.
- Democratic presidential candidates, March for Our Lives advocates, and gun-rights activists all weighed in.
- Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.
Walmart said it was “halving” its ammo stock, requesting that shoppers refrain from openly carrying firearms within stores, and stopping sales of handguns in Alaska.
We’ve been working to understand the many important issues arising from the horrific events in El Paso and Southaven, as well as those raised in the national discussion around gun violence. Today, we’re sharing some next steps: https://t.co/chWzGf6Amv pic.twitter.com/Ye3xjjRdrh
— Walmart Inc. (@WalmartInc) September 3, 2019
This decision came after employee protests and intense scrutiny over the company’s firearms sales.
And, so far, people on both sides of the gun-control debate have weighed in on Walmart’s decision on Twitter.
Numerous big names connected with the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting praised Walmart:
This is a HUGE step in the right direction! Walmart has been one of America’s largest seller of guns and ammunition. They are doing their part. @senatemajldr you’re up.
P.S. Thank you @Walmart for your courage to do what’s right. https://t.co/5ViZTM7lCc
— March For Our Lives ☮️🟧 (@AMarch4OurLives) September 3, 2019
@DICKS and @Walmart are showing true leadership. Americans will be safer as a result. @senatemajldr, you need to stop looking for permission. It is time to lead. Allow the Senate to vote!!!
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) September 3, 2019
Thank you for showing how the the business community can take a stand for peace @Walmart https://t.co/biLqNY9Cej
— David Hogg 🟧 (@davidhogg111) September 3, 2019
Thank you, @Walmart. This is a great start.
🚨 News Alert 🚨Walmart ends all handgun ammunition sales
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) September 3, 2019
Some 2020 Democratic presidential candidates also lauded the decision - but they also called for further action by Congress:
I applaud the brave Walmart workers who called on the company to stop selling guns. This is a good step, but we still have a gun violence crisis. Mitch McConnell must stop his cowardice, stand up to the NRA and allow Congress to pass common sense gun safety legislation. https://t.co/zC0mZqKdtq
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 3, 2019
This is a good start—but it's not nearly enough. Walmart can and should do much more. And we need real gun reform, now. https://t.co/3gAZZ5ZxOK
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) September 3, 2019
This is a step in the right direction—and I'm grateful Walmart has taken action—but we can't rely on corporations to stop gun violence. We need universal background checks, we need red flag laws, and we need to buy back every single assault weapon. https://t.co/m8fr3qzZcx
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) September 3, 2019
This is an important step by Walmart, but we must go further. If we want to end our gun violence epidemic, we must start by passing universal background checks and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
It's your turn to act, Senate Republicans. https://t.co/mQvtAJgRei
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 3, 2019
On the other hand, conservative media figures bashed Walmart over its decision:
So the larger, more powerful caliber is still available. They'll virtue signal by eliminating sales of the smaller caliber (and most popular for women who own rifles chambered for this).
Good grief, Walmart. https://t.co/xtGNvowbSE— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) September 3, 2019
Curious if Walmart will now provide armed security at all of its stores now that the company has made clear it doesn't like individuals who do their duty to carry and do their best to protect themselves. (the answer is obviously no)
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) September 3, 2019
Walmart is garbage and I've been saying so since "Conservative Insurgency."
It is not conservative.
It is part of the establishment and cares nothing for your freedom, your prosperity or your rights.
Why Republicans pretend companies like it are on our side is beyond me.
— Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) September 3, 2019
The National Rifle Association, in particular, tweeted out a statement that Walmart's new firearms policy would send gun owners flocking to other retailers.
"It is shameful to see @Walmart succumb to the pressure of the anti-gun elites. Lines at Walmart will soon be replaced by lines at other retailers who are more supportive of America’s fundamental freedoms."
Read @NRA's statement on Walmart's decision here: pic.twitter.com/bmwAS9o0KP
— NRA (@NRA) September 3, 2019