WATERLOO – A major sporting goods retailer that operates a number of stores within driving distance of North Iowa – Dick’s Sporting Goods – triumphantly announced today that they will no longer sell assault-style rifles and have removed them from their shelves in reaction to the latest school massacre in Parkland, Florida.
Here is today’s statement from the CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods, with stores in Waterloo, Des Moines, LACrosse, Cedar Rapids and Burnsville, among many other locations:
We at DICK’S Sporting Goods are deeply disturbed and saddened by the tragic events in Parkland. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their loved ones.
But thoughts and prayers are not enough.
We have tremendous respect and admiration for the students organizing and making their voices heard regarding gun violence in schools and elsewhere in our country.
We have heard you. The nation has heard you.
We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens. But we have to help solve the problem that’s in front of us. Gun violence is an epidemic that’s taking the lives of too many people, including the brightest hope for the future of America – our kids.
Following all of the rules and laws, we sold a shotgun to the Parkland shooter in November of 2017. It was not the gun, nor type of gun, he used in the shooting. But it could have been.
Clearly this indicates on so many levels that the systems in place are not effective to protect our kids and our citizens.
We believe it’s time to do something about it.
Beginning today, DICK’S Sporting Goods is committed to the following:
– We will no longer sell assault-style rifles, also referred to as modern sporting rifles. We had already removed them from all DICK’S stores after the Sandy Hook massacre, but we will now remove them from sale at all 35 Field & Stream stores.
– We will no longer sell firearms to anyone under 21 years of age.
– We will no longer sell high capacity magazines.
– We never have and never will sell bump stocks that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire more rapidly.
At the same time, we implore our elected officials to enact common sense gun reform and pass the following regulations:
– Ban assault-style firearms
– Raise the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21
– Ban high capacity magazines and bump stocks
– Require universal background checks that include relevant mental health information and previous interactions with the law
– Ensure a complete universal database of those banned from buying firearms
– Close the private sale and gun show loophole that waives the necessity of background checks
– We hope others join us in this effort to let our kids know that their pleas are being taken seriously.
Some will say these steps can’t guarantee tragedies like Parkland will never happen again. They may be correct – but if common sense reform is enacted and even one life is saved, it will have been worth it.
We deeply believe that this country’s most precious gift is our children. They are our future. We must keep them safe.
Sincerely,
Edward W. Stack
Chairman & CEO
DICK’S Sporting Goods
Should have slowed down and waited – like Delta Airlines withdrew their discounts for NRA members – Georgia – Delta’s home base and a few conservative state reps withdrew their gas tax exception for Delta amounting to $50,000,000.00 per year. Take that snowflakers.
Delta employs 30000 people in Atlanta alone. We will see how this works out come election time. It won’t be pretty for the Repugnicans.
You’re such an idiot.
Georgia needs Delta a hell of a lot more than Delta needs Georgia.
I thought all Republicans /Conservative were big on no interference with businesses…unless the were bought out by the NRA that is.
Also Amazon still has Atalanta on their short list for their new headquarters #2…they are going to take one look at what the Georgia Republicans did and say “Fu*k you”.
You’re such an idiot.
Georgia needs Delta a hell of a lot more than Delta need Georgia.
I though all Republicans /Conservative were big on no interference with businesses…unles the were bought out by the NRA.
A
lso Amazon still has Atalanta on thier short list for their new headquarters #2…they are going to take one look at what the Republicans did and say “Fu*k you”.
Video by HighImpactFlix, “Dick’s Sporting Goods: What the Media Won’t Tell You”, https://youtu.be/YDuxjtmskpg, this guy may intimidate the synthetic mindset, this is a “Real” male, you know like Adam or Christ someone who throws the $ changers tables over.TA
Edit: video above post, Video by HighImpactFlix, “Dick’s Sporting Goods: What the Media Won’t Tell You”, https://youtu.be/YDuxjtmskpg.
now the next is Mills Fleet Farm, ever look at their circular in the paper each week, filled with assault rifles. just who needs and what do they use them for?? no good for hunting and worthless for target shooting so what would u use them for, just out blasting everthing and getting your jollies off doing it? everyone needs to write mills nd tell them you are boycotting their stores until they remove the assault rifles. that might turn some heads
Mills has never sold “assault rifles” get educated , My AR15 is used coyotes been using it for 20 yrs, 223 / 556 mm is mild at best
What are you basing your comments on when you say; ” just who needs and what do they use them for?? no good for hunting and worthless for target shooting so what would u use them for, just out blasting everthing and getting your jollies off doing it?”
What one person decides they need, another person may decide they, themselves don’t need. That is what makes the world go round and why we all enjoy the freedom of choice.
I own several AR15 style rifles. I use them for target shooting and for hunting too. I have never considered using any of my firearms for anything other than lawful purposes. Some may disagree with others having these firearms and that too, if their right. But….I don’t enjoy being painted with the same brush as some sick bastard(s) who use them to shoot innocent people at schools, concerts, or churches, etc.
Let’s try to remember, not everyone that owns a firearm, is a bad person. Many of us, go out of our way to do the right thing and it’s not right to punish all of us, for the actions of a few.
I can see how important they must be for hunting. You never know when those cwazy wabbits will turn on you and charge you. And, god forbid, you ever come upon 3 or 4 of them together.
Thank you Dick’s sporting good for doing something the Republican parties cannot seem to do… That’s care about our children
So says the liberal who likes killing babies.
So says the liberal who likes to kill babies.
Any business has the right to stop selling any product that they wish, but it won’t stop there. There are many weapons that resemble the AR-15 and they will be next. If this knee jerk trend continues it could possibly lead to all weapons being outlawed for civilian ownership except for maybe a single shot shotgun, 22 rifle and maybe the BB gun. It will be a sad day for America if that happens.
Banning all guns? Talk about a knee-jerk reaction.
That is just Allen, he likes to jerk it.
oh I guess refusing service doesn’t apply to cakes, just guns. It’s sad that America is so full of soft skinned crybabies. It’s no wonder they want to ban guns, they need that age space.
I say put trained guards at school. (Veterans) No need for teachers to be armed. And get rid of the signs advertising were not protecting our children. Fish are easier to shoot in a barrel 🙁
Your cake analogy is misguided. In that case they sold cakes but refused a to sell to a certain group.
In the case of banning AR type rifles the ban would apply to everyone, even dumbasses like you that can’t comprehend the difference.
It’s sad that America is so full of idiots like you.
Oh tell me those bakeries were THE ONLY cake bakers in those towns, state or country? give me a break.!!! Wake up people ..if you are white and a Christian (and male) you are being discriminated against and it is not going to stop.
Stop selling those guns will not stop the crimes. Law abiding citizens are not committing these crimes.
You’re not too bright are you? We ARE talking about not selling to a certain group of people, IE people under 21. The law states you must be 18. Dicks company policy restricting sales to under 21 is singling out a group of people. It’s biased and is profiling and it should be treated the same way the cake shit went down.
Niw before you get your panties in a twist, you just said anyone could refuse service to anyone. But we know that’s not the case. Especially if liberal asshats make a big deal out of it. So since the age doesn’t require you to be 21 to buy a weapon I hope that some fine outstanding 18’s sue.
What about the group of 18-20 year olds that can serve in the military to defend your rights. Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods have stated they will no longer sell guns and ammunition to anyone under 21. Enjoy your First Amendment while you have it, because once the Second Amendment is watered down to nothing, guess which one the government will be gunning for next. (No pun intended.) Freedom is not taken away, it is given away!
The only person who wants to take your guns is the President. He actually stated take their guns, then worry about due process.
Hats off to Dick’s!!!
I don’t shop in stores named after a lib.
Like they really give a shit abour your pathetic dumbass.
Well they should. I know lots of people that will refuse to spend a dime at their stores because of this. And due to no age mandate, refusing to sell to anyone not 21 is a slippery slope they should be wary of. They could potentially be sued. Remember the cake bakers that refused to make a cake? Look at what they’re dealing with now.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is now doing more to prevent children from being murdered than the President, the US Congress and the NRA combined.
Dick’s Sporting Goods stocks rose 1.6 percent Wednesday.
There are many more people that applaud Dick’s decision and have vowed to shop there.
They/we vastly outnumber you NRA minions & Rambo wannabes.
This move won’t do a damn thing to “protect children.” That statement lacks any thought or knowledge about guns, the subject you are talking about. The AR-15 is not the only semi automatic rifle, most all rifles and pistols are semi automatic. The AR-15 looks like a military rifle and that is the only difference between it or any other rifle or shotgun. The only way to protect the children is to provide security in the schools with guns, yes armed security and do something about mental health. All of these shooters had known mental health issues and their actions were not a surprise to the people that knew them.
Trump is doing more to protectthe kids than any Democrap ever did. Even the Democraps are saying that. The smart ones anyway.
You can’t make (it), understand John, (it), is beyond me.
Great post Bodacious.
Congratulating yourself, priceless.
Bodacious is the original Dumb Ass!
Not me you moron. I sign my name, remember? Unlike you.