Walmart and Dick’s Raise Minimum Age for Gun Buyers to 21
Two of the nation’s leading gun sellers, Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods, took steps on Wednesday to limit their
sales of firearms, thrusting themselves into the middle of the polarizing national debate over gun control.
This time, Walmart directly linked its action to the shooting in Florida, saying, “In light
of recent events, we’ve taken an opportunity to review our policy on firearm sales.”
Top Walmart executives made the decision and then informed the board, a company spokesman said.
Walmart, the biggest gun seller, announced late in the afternoon that it would not sell any gun to anyone under 21 years of age.
“We said, ‘We don’t want to be a part of this any longer.’”
That response raised rounds of discussions with the company’s top executives
and its directors, all of whom backed the decision to take a stand, Mr. Stack said.
But when it comes to selling guns to individuals under 21 or stocking assault-style rifles, Mr. Stack said, his company is done.
The retailer also said that it would no longer sell high-capacity magazines
and would also require any gun buyer to be at least 21, regardless of local laws.