Walmart CEO Doug McMillon now vaguely backs a national debate around an assault weapons ban
The CEO of Walmart says reauthorizing an assault weapons ban should be "debated" as the company faces calls to stop selling firearms following recent deadly mass shootings.
CEO Doug McMillon said Thursday while delivering the company's earnings report that "we're encouraged that broad support is emerging to strengthen background checks and to remove weapons from those who have been determined to pose an imminent danger," CNBC reports. He also said that "reauthorization of the assault weapons ban should be debated to determine its effectiveness in keeping weapons made for war out of the hands of mass murderers."
A Walmart was the site of the deadly mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, that left 22 people dead earlier this month. In the aftermath of this tragedy, as well as a second mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio, shortly after and a previous shooting at a Walmart in July, the company has been under pressure to cease weapons sales, with Democratic candidates for president weighing in.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"The weapons they sell are killing their own customers and employees,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) recently said. "No profit is worth those lives."
With mentions of support for strengthening background check legislation and a potential push for an assault weapons ban reinstatement, this was the most forceful statement Walmart has delivered amid this mounting pressure, with McMillon simply saying last week that it would be "thoughtful and deliberate in our responses," The Wall Street Journal reports. CNN writes the company "could give Congress fresh incentive to act."
McMillon did not mention any specific policy changes on Thursday, but he did say that steps will be taken to "strengthen our processes, improve our technology, and create an even safer environment in our stores." According to McMillon, Walmart sells about 2 percent of the United States' firearms, and about 20 percent of its ammunition. It stopped selling assault weapons itself in 2015.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Today's political cartoons - September 5, 2024
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - weird creatures, McConsequences, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Death of England: Closing Time review – 'bold, brash reflection on racism'
The Week Recommends The final part of this trilogy deftly explores rising political tensions across the country
By The Week UK Published
-
The Marriage of Figaro: 'lively' revival of Mozart's comedy 'zings along'
The Week Recommends David McVicar's 'ever-fresh' production is back at the Royal Opera House
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Empty-nest boomers aren't selling their big homes
Speed Read Most Americans 60 and older do not intend to move, according to a recent survey
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Brazil accuses Musk of 'disinformation campaign'
Speed Read A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has opened an inquiry into Elon Musk and X
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Disney board fends off Peltz infiltration bid
Speed Read Disney CEO Bob Iger has defeated activist investor Nelson Peltz in a contentious proxy battle
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Disney and DeSantis reach detente
Speed Read The Florida governor and Disney settle a yearslong litigation over control of the tourism district
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Visa and Mastercard agree to lower swipe fees
Speed Read The companies will cap the fees they charge businesses when customers use their credit cards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Reddit IPO values social media site at $6.4 billion
Speed Read The company makes its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Housing costs: the root of US economic malaise?
speed read Many voters are troubled by the housing affordability crisis
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Feds cap credit card late fees at $8
speed read The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule to save households an estimated $10 billion a year
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published