Target has a message for gun-toting customers who may be confused about the retailers name — this is not a shooting range.
On Wednesday the retailer posted a notice on its website respectfully requesting that shoppers not bring their guns into its stores.
“Our approach has always been to follow local laws, and of course, we will continue to do so,” the notice says. “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,” the notice says.
But the request didn’t come without dissent, mostly from those who believed the popular store was interfering with their second amendment rights.
The “debate” continued to rage in comments posted on Target’s website. Among them:
“This is just to shut up the anti gunners,” commented Kory Watkins. “Going back to Target with my gun today and tomorrow and whatever days I want.”
Others were happy with the decision, adopting Target’s sentiment that guns in its stores are “at odds” with the family atmosphere it champions.
S.K. Boss offered this: “Thank you, Target, for displaying #gunsense and promoting public safety as a civic duty.”
Target stores aren’t the first to ask gun advocates to leave their firearms at home. Chipotle restaurants made a similar decision in May, days after after gun rights advocates made national headlines by bringing assault-style weapons into a downtown Dallas restaurant.
And in an incident that rivals gun advocates fight to carry weapons into establishments, two legally armed men in a Georgia store got into a gun-rights debate that could have ended with bullets.
According to the Valdosta Daily Times:
A man carrying a holstered firearm entered the store to make a purchase. Another customer, also with a holstered firearm, approached him and demanded to see his identification and firearms license, according to the Valdosta Police Department report.
The customer making demands for ID pulled his firearm from its holster but never pointed it at the other customer, who said he was not obligated to show any permits or identification.
He demanded the man’s ID again. Undeterred by the drawn gun, the man paid for his items, left the store and called for police.
Eventually the man who demanded papers was arrested — cops said that no one, not even law enforcement officers, can demand proof of licensing from another armed citizen.
But hey, what’s the worst that can happen if guns are allowed everywhere?
Oh yeah, that’s possible.
