On September 3rd, 2019 Walmart CEO announced they will no longer sell handgun ammunition along with ending handgun sales in Alaska making a “complete exit from handguns.” Walmart stopped selling hand guns for the most part in the 1990s and about four years ago they ceased sales of assault-style rifles. Walmart will continue to sell hunting guns, BB guns, and the ammo required to individuals 21 or older. These individuals also have to pass a background check before being able to purchase any fire arms or ammunition.

Although Walmart is not against guns, this is being done due to recent in shootings El Paso and Mississippi. Prevention of any future occurrences is Walmart’s biggest concern. Walmart requests that in even in “open carry” states, customers can not openly carry weapons. They also stated, “We encourage our nation’s leaders to move forward and strengthen background checks and to remove from those who have been determined to pose an imminent  danger.” They are hoping by doing this they influence other retailers to follow in their footsteps and stop selling handgun ammunition. Since Walmart’s decision, Walgreen’s and Kroger have also placed a rule on openly carrying in store with the exception of law enforcement.