Walmart to Stop Selling Handgun Ammunition

A major retailer with multiple Hudson Valley locations announced that they will no longer sell handgun ammunition and is encouraging shoppers to not enter with guns.

Following multiple mass shootings within a short span of time in the U.S., one of the largest retailers in the country has announced they will no longer sell handgun ammunition. According to a press release, Walmart will no longer be selling short-barrel rifle ammunition, like the .223 caliber and 5.56 caliber. They will sell through and discontinue all handgun ammunition sales and will discontinue handgun sales in Alaska, taking Walmart completely out of handgun sales. The press release notes that while ammunition like the .223 caliber and 5.56 caliber are commonly used in hunting rifles, they can also be used in large capacity clips on military-style weapons.

This major change comes after a shooting at their El Paso location where 48 people were shot, resulting in the loss of 22 lives. The press release also says that a store associate killed two other associates a few days before the El Paso shooting. There was a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio hours after the El Paso shooting. Most recently, Odessa, Texas had a mass shooting. Walmart states they have been listening to people inside and outside the company to make this choice.

In addition to no longer selling handgun ammunition, Walmart is also asking that customers will no longer openly carry firearms into their stores, or Sam's Club locations, in state's where open carry is permitted, unless they are authorized law enforcement officers. The press release states that they are not changing their policy for concealed carry by customers with permits.

Walmart has locations across the Hudson Valley, including Newburgh, Middletown, Fishkill, Kingston, and more.

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