Target Asks Customers Not To Bring Guns Into Stores Anymore

Target has responded to the pressure to change its open-carry policy after incidents in two stores.

Gun rights activists Open Carry Texas showed up at Target in January with assault rifles.

Facebook / Moms Demand Action

After recent incidents involving guns in its Texas and South Carolina stores, Target is now asking that its customers refrain from bringing firearms into its stores "even in communities where it is permitted by law."

Today, interim CEO John Mulligan, shared the following note with Target employees on the company website A Bullseye View:

The leadership team has been weighing a complex issue, and I want to be sure everyone understands our thoughts and ultimate decision.

As you've likely seen in the media, there has been a debate about whether guests in communities that permit "open carry" should be allowed to bring firearms into Target stores. Our approach has always been to follow local laws, and of course, we will continue to do so. But starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law.

We've listened carefully to the nuances of this debate and respect the protected rights of everyone involved. In return, we are asking for help in fulfilling our goal to create an atmosphere that is safe and inviting for our guests and team members.

This is a complicated issue, but it boils down to a simple belief: Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create.

The pressure on Target to make the policy change increased last month after the organization Moms Demand Action surfaced photos of gun activists from the group Open Carry Texas carrying assault weapons while shopping in the baby clothes section of Target.

The next day, a loaded handgun was found in the toy section of the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Target. Following the reports, Open Carry Texas accused gun control activists of planting the gun in the store to further their agenda.

The incidents spurred a petition signed by hundreds of thousands of Americans asking Target to stop permitting guns in stores.

Target joins national food chains Sonic, Wendy's, Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Applebees, and Chipotle, which have all changed their open carry policy in the past year.

"Moms are thankful that Target responded quickly to the call of nearly 400,000 Americans and asked customers to keep their firearms at home," said Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

BuzzFeed has reached out to Open Carry Texas, which did not immediately return requests for comment.

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