Dick’s, Walmart Suspend Sales of Certain Semi-Automatic Rifles—What Do You Think?
In wake of Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, Dick's has removed all guns from the store closest to Newtown, Conn.
In the wake of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, Dick’s Sporting Goods, one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the world, has suspended sales of certain kinds of semi-automatic rifles from its stores nationwide.
The company, which is headquartered in Moon Township, PA, also has removed all guns from its chain closest to Newtown, CT.
The move follows a decision made by Walmart, which pulled the Bushmaster gun from its website on Monday.
In a statement, Dick's said the move was made out of respect to the victims and families of Newtown. Friday’s shooting left 20 children, all between the ages of 6 and 7, and six adults dead.
Dick's maintains a store in Crocker Park in Westlake.
“We are extremely saddened by the unspeakable tragedy that occurred last week in Newtown, CT, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and to the entire community,” a statement on the Dick’s website said.
CNN reports authorities are working to determine if Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old shooter who killed himself inside the elementary school once the shooting spree was over, tried to buy a gun at the Dick’s Sporting Goods in Danbury, which is about 12 miles away from Newtown.
“At this time, reports that the suspect visited one of our stores last week have not been confirmed by law enforcement," the sporting goods store said in a statement to CNN. "Based on our records, we can confirm that no firearms were sold to the suspect identified in this case."
It is unknown how long the ban on the semi-automatic rifles, also known as modern sporting rifles, will last, CNN reports.
We want to know what you think? Do you agree with Dick’s and Walmart's decisions to suspend sales of semi-automatic rifles? What about removing the guns from the store near Newtown?
Should they make the ban a permanent decision?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section below or take our Patch Poll.
In This article
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Walmart
20245 Rte 19, Cranberry Township, PA -
Dick's Sporting Goods
300 Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake, OH
Jan Y.
5:53 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
No need for semi-automatic rifles anytime!
MZ
8:06 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
No need for sugary drinks, alcohol, fatty foods, swimming pools, cars, or cigarettes anytime! Those six things kill way more people than semi-automatic rifles. Please join me in an attempt to ban these items.
David
7:05 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The gun supporters look at any gun control much like the abortion supporters look at any abortion legislation...just a first step.
Evan
12:08 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
MZ - you.are.an.idiot. And obviously you have no children, or even loved ones for that matter. And you are also one of the reasons the culture in our society is deteriorating. This debate is not about number of deaths by disease, addiction, accidents, etc. It is about weapons that can cause mass destruction, death and terror...when placed in the hands of disturbed civilians. The list you ignorantly rattled off may cause death by poor choice/behavior/decisions or accident, not by mass murderers. If the deranged or disturbed don't have access to these types of weapons, it will be harder for them to carry out their crazy fantasy massacres (manifested in part from violent video games, IMO). There is no reason semi-automatic assault weapons with or without large magazine clips should ever be in the hands of non-active military or law enforcement officers. For what reason? Are hunters that bad of a shot? If so, pick up a new hobby like fishing or archery. Why would one need rapid fire if shooting at a target? Take a few shots with a regular firearm and reload! These weapons are fuel to a crazy person's fire. They are glorified in violent video games (which should also be banned). Ban them for good, while still protecting the 2nd amendment.
MZ
4:04 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
Evan, right back at you cutie! You know nothing of me and called me an idiot, assumed I have no children or loved ones. You also link these events to video games. You do realize there are literally tens of millions of people that have video games and hundreds of millions that have guns. The number of those that commit horrific crimes is a fraction of a fraction of a percentage.
On a side note, I agree we should ban video games as well. Video games are responsible for so many deaths. While we are at it, violent movies should also be banned, and rap music as well.
Evan, you are clearly a brilliant man. You have never met me and claim I am the reason our culture and society are deteriorating. I am impressed that you could have figured that out from a short little post. What else can you tell about me? Can you tell how many guns I have, or if I even have any? Can you tell my age, marital status, race, number of kids (oh yeah, I guess the number is zero, my kids would be suprised to hear that). I would bet that you couldn't fill my shoes if you had help.
MZ
4:06 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
We should make all guns illegal just like drugs. That way nobody will ever use them again, just like drugs!
MZ
4:07 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
Evan, right back at you cutie! You know nothing of me and called me an idiot, assumed I have no children or loved ones. You also link these events to video games. You do realize there are literally tens of millions of people that have video games and hundreds of millions that have guns. The number of those that commit horrific crimes is a fraction of a fraction of a percentage.
On a side note, I agree we should ban video games as well. Video games are responsible for so many deaths. While we are at it, violent movies should also be banned, and rap music as well.
Evan, you are clearly a brilliant man. You have never met me and claim I am the reason our culture and society are deteriorating. I am impressed that you could have figured that out from a short little post. What else can you tell about me? Can you tell how many guns I have, or if I even have any? Can you tell my age, marital status, race, number of kids (oh yeah, I guess the number is zero, my kids would be suprised to hear that). I would bet that you couldn't fill my shoes if you had help.
Carol Lara
12:35 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Good response Evan. I like the commentator on CNN who suggested those who say it is necessary to protect the 2nd amendment should shoot with the guns available at the time the amendment was written.
MZ
4:05 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
I think that those who support the first amendment should only communicate with the methods available at the time the amendment was written. No Internet for you!
Brenda Mayo
3:50 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
I agree with both Evan and Carol Lara's comments.