What Walmart CEO Doug McMillon Got Wrong: There’s No Debate About the Effectiveness of Guns Safety Laws

August 15, 2019

Walmart must continue to lead and end gun sales

WASHINGTON -- Guns Down America, a bolder, broader movement calling for dramatically fewer guns in America released the following statement after Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in today’s earnings report that “The Assault Weapons ban should be debated to determine its effectiveness...”

“We're glad that Walmart is continuing to think about these issues and is taking the concerns of its customers and employees so seriously. But there's no debate: gun reforms save lives and the largest retailer in the world has a responsibility to do everything it can to help Americans build safer communities,” said Igor Volsky, Founder and Executive Director of Guns Down America. “Walmart, which has repeatedly restricted guns sales in its stores, knows better than anyone that raising the standard for gun ownership helps keep us all safe. It’s time for Walmart to use its enormous leverage to push our Congressional leaders to act by announcing it’s ending gun sales, stopping donations to NRA-backed lawmakers, and actively lobbying for gun reform, including a ban on military-style weapons.”

In 2016, researchers reviewed over 130 studies from 10 countries on gun control for Epidemiologic Reviews. The findings: “The simultaneous implementation of laws targeting multiple firearms restrictions is associated with reductions in firearm deaths.” More from Vox on the effectiveness of gun safety laws.

This week Guns Down America launched the #WalMartMustAct coalition calling on the world’s largest retailer to end gun sales, stop supporting NRA-backed lawmakers and use its influence to raise the standard for gun ownership in America. On Saturday, the #WalMartMustAct coalition rallied at a Walmart store less than a mile from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, site of the 2018 mass shooting that killed 17 people. Facebook live stream here.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Walmart -- one of the largest gun retailers in the nation -- is “rethinking” its role. The nation’s largest retailer has already stopped selling handguns and assault weapons and raised the age to purchase guns or ammunition to 21. Multiple Presidential candidates have also joined the call for Walmart to stop selling guns.

The coalition includes Guns Down America, March for Our Lives, the American Federation of Teachers, Color of Change, This Is Our Lane, Latino Victory Fund, MoveOn.org, Orange Ribbons for Jaime, and Women’s March.

Guns Down America has led successful campaigns calling on corporate America to support a future with fewer guns. Previously Guns Down America partnered with Color of Change on a campaign that ended the NRA’s murder insurance policies.