In the wake of last week’s Newtown massacre, national chain Dick’s Sporting Goods is pulling guns from its displays in stores near Newtown and suspending the sale of “modern sporting rifles” nationwide.
Dick’s issued the following statement:
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.
Out of respect for the victims and their families, during this time of national mourning we have removed all guns from sale and from display in our store nearest to Newtown and suspended the sale of modern sporting rifles in all of our stores chainwide.
We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible tragedy.
Well, not exactly. As of now, the suspension is only temporary. Still, gun control advocates are lavishing praise on the company:
https://twitter.com/_jacob_jones_/status/281139415118655488
But many more are not nearly as pleased at the news.
In what should come as no surprise, proponents of gun rights are quite disgusted by what they see as capitulation to the anti-gun lobby:
https://twitter.com/deacondarrell/status/281111295426711552
And, from the looks of things, regardless of how long the suspension lasts, Dick’s will be losing a lot of customers:
https://twitter.com/Marine_Sentinel/status/281089248474566656
https://twitter.com/jcsturgeon/status/281125242255048704
https://twitter.com/ReaganAlleyDog/status/281121645794578432
https://twitter.com/mattbthompson/status/281121006255501313
Online firearms retailer Cheaper Than Dirt has also suspended gun sales (though, interestingly, it is still selling gun accessories), and Walmart has pulled an online ad for a gun made by the same manufacturer as the gun used by Adam Lanza.
https://twitter.com/JBB2319/status/281148733100535808
https://twitter.com/politicalpwndit/status/281134308838739969
https://twitter.com/jc_step/status/281140675943227392
Fortunately, as of now, Walmart has no plans to halt gun sales. Let’s hope they continue to stand up for the Second Amendment.
