In news that is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, US retail giant Walmart has stepped into the gun violence debate, announcing it will reduce sales on handguns and ammunition.

It doesn’t take a genius to know that the topic of gun violence in the US is indeed a contentious topic. Amazingly, while there have been upwards of 300 mass shootings in the country in 2019 alone, lawmakers and politicians seem happy to leave things as they are.

However, following a highly-publicised shooting at a Walmart in Texas that left 22 dead last month, the company’s CEO has stepped in to take a stand.

Announced via a memo to staff and associates earlier today, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has announced that the company will reduce its sales on handguns and ammunition, while asking patrons to no longer carry weapons in the store.

Acknowledging the connection that America has with firearms, McMillon revealed that the company will “discontinue sales of short-barrel rifle ammunition” and “discontinue handgun ammunition” once they sell through their current inventory, while discontinuing handgun sales in the state of Alaska.

“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,” McMillon’s memo continued, “unless they are authorized law enforcement officers.”

Check out a Tweet made by Walmart about their decision:

Elsewhere, the memo also saw Walmart CEO Doug McMillon call upon America’s leaders to “move forward and strengthen background checks and to remove weapons from those who have been determined to pose an imminent danger.”

“We understand that heritage, our deeply rooted place in America and our influence as the world’s largest retailer,” McMillon explained. “And we understand the responsibility that comes with it.

“We want what’s best for our customers, our associates and our communities. In a complex situation lacking a simple solution, we are trying to take constructive steps to reduce the risk that events like these will happen again. The status quo is unacceptable.”

While this response has undoubtedly divided opinions across the US, and indeed the world, the likes of US Presidential hopeful Beto O’Rourke has also shared his support for the move, labelling it a “step in the right direction”, and referencing a buyback scheme similar to one implemented in Australia in the ’90s.

“I’m grateful Walmart has taken action —but we can’t rely on corporations to stop gun violence,” O’Rourke explained. “We need universal background checks, we need red flag laws, and we need to buy back every single assault weapon.”

While it’s a small step, it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Check out a news report on Walmart’s recent decision:

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