Meet Doug McMillon — Walmart CEO No Longer Selling Ammunition After Latest Mass Shooting
Will others follow his lead and take action?
Getty Walmart's CEO has enforced significant gun changes in stores in the hopes that others will follow in his footsteps and take the measures of gun control more seriously. Doug McMillon, 52, recently released an open letter stating that Walmart will no longer carry certain gun supplies that can be used in assault rifles, amidst the recent mass shootings that occurred in Southaven, Mississippi, where two Walmart employees were killed by another employee; and El Paso, where 48 were shot and 22 were killed. McMillon has called upon the Trump administration in an open letter seeking their help to put an end to mass shootings. An excerpt of the letter reads:
"We believe we have been doing our part to make the country safer," McMillon said in the letter, which he addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, according to CNN. "But Congress and the Administration need to do their part as well," McMillon said.
These changes implemented by McMillon reflect hugely on not only how impactful these mass shootings have been for everyone, but display how there can be power in regaining control over preventable tragedies like this. The issue with gun control and the lack in proper precaution and policy is an urgent, timely issue that needs to be addressed and taken more seriously. Hopefully, McMillon’s decisions can influence others in positions of power to be as proactive, with the intention of an increase in the betterment and safety for all Americans.
Read on to find out new details on Walmart CEO and his policy changes — who is Doug McMillion?
1. Walmart will eliminate gun supplies that can be used in assault rifles
According to CNN, the reforms will “include completely eliminating the sale of handguns and handgun ammunition. Walmart will also discontinue the sale of short-barrel rifle ammunition that can be used in military-style weapons as well as hunting rifles.” Walmart also plans to increase security measures in its stores. The company has already previously extended the legal age to purchase a gun to 21 but plan to extend security in stores. McMillon's statement discourages people to open carry in Walmart and Sam’s Club stores, even in states where "open carry" is allowed.
In regard to Walmart’s stance on open carry, the CEO writes, “We believe the opportunity for someone to misinterpret a situation, even in open carry states, could lead to tragic results.” Mcmillon’s response to his implemented new policies was to find the solution for a complex situation and “to take constructive steps to reduce the risk that events like these will happen again," he said. "The status quo is unacceptable."
2. The Trump administration is taking legislative measures in response to mass shootings
According to CNN, the current focus of the legislative measures is on expediting the death penalty for those guilty of mass shootings. Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff told reporters: "The Trump administration is preparing a package of legislative measures responding to a spate of recent mass shootings, aides said Monday, even as White House and congressional staffs remain far apart on the best path forward."
3. It's unlikely McMillon's measures will influence the Trump administration to increase safety protocol
After an attempt to work on expanding background checks on gun sales, "President Donald Trump backed off support for such steps following an outcry from the National Rifle Association and warnings about the political consequences."
4. The NRA did not respond well to the CEO’s decision
The National Rifle Association (NRA) did not take the news of Walmart’s new policies well and had a few things to say on the matter. In a recent tweet, the organization said: "It is shameful to see Walmart succumb to the pressure of the anti-gun elites Lines at Walmart will soon be replaced by lines at other retailers who are more supportive of America’s fundamental freedoms. The truth is Walmart’s actions today will not make us any safer. Rather than place the blame on the criminal, Walmart has chosen to victimize law-abiding Americans."
5. McMillon is hoping his actions will influence the U.S. government and other retailers to take his lead
McMillon’s stance is strongly focused on implementing a change in background checks on consumers planning to purchase a gun and putting a ban on assault weapons which have been involved in recent mass shootings. “This is an important step by Walmart, but we must go further. If we want to end our gun violence epidemic, we must start by passing universal background checks and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines,” McMillon wrote in a tweet. "We believe it is time for action on these commonsense measures."
6. McMillon feared speaking up on gun violence publicly due to anticipated backlash
According to the New York Times, “He had been reluctant to speak publicly against gun violence, fearing a political and customer backlash. Yet he forcefully entered the debate on Tuesday.”
Hopefully, by McMillon choosing to make this statement, it will help pave the way to influence others to take action, create a permanent solution, and put an end to mass shootings.
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Elizabeth Ward is a writing student finishing her bachelor’s at the University of Louisville.