In wake of announcements from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, and Kroger, Markey calls on 6 U.S. retailers to join companies looking to limit gun sales

Washington (March 2, 2018) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today called on six retailers to commit to prohibiting the sale of assault-style rifles and other accessories, as well as the sale of a firearms to individuals under the age of 21. In the wake of the Parkland mass shooting, this week, Dick’s Sporting Goods pledged to discontinue the sale of assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines and maintain its policy of refusing to sell bump stocks. It will also raise the minimum age for gun sales to 21. A number of stores, including Walmart and Kroger’s, have also announced their intention to take similar steps. The Senator sent letters to Academy, Ltd., Bass Pro Shops, Inc., Big 5 Sporting Goods, Dunham’s Athleisure Corp., Scheels All Sports, Inc., and Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc. asking each to take similar steps, and if they will not, to provide their reasoning. 

“In light of these recent announcements, I urge that your company, at a minimum, also step up to this new corporate retail standard by making the same commitments,” writes Senator Markey in his letters. “As our country tries to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event — the latest in a long line of deadly mass casualties — I urge you to commit to helping end this epidemic of widespread gun violence in America.”

A copy of the letters can be found here: Academy, Ltd., Bass Pro Shops, Inc., Big 5 Sporting Goods, Dunham’s Athleisure Corp., Scheels All Sports, Inc., and Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.   

Senator Markey has introduced bicameral legislation with Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) to fund research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on gun violence prevention and firearms safety. The legislation calls for $10 million each year for six years. Senator Markey and Rep. Maloney are also the co-authors of “The Handgun Trigger Safety Act”, legislation that would support the use of personalization (or smart gun) technology that allows the purchaser of a gun to designate authorized user(s) who can operate the gun and would make the gun inoperable for all others.

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