Christmas shopping for the outdoorsman may be a little different this year.
Dick's Sporting Goods, which has a location at 810 E. Butterfield Road in Lombard, has suspended sales of semi-automatic weapons at its stores following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT, according to a report from CNN.
The chain includes 511 stores in 44 states, and posted this message to its web site:
"We are extremely saddened by the unspeakable tragedy that occurred last week in Newtown, CT, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and to the entire community.
Out of respect for the victims and their families, during this time of national mourning we have removed all guns from sale and from display in our store nearest to Newtown and suspended the sale of modern sporting rifles in all of our stores chainwide.
We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible tragedy."
A search of the Dick's Sporting Goods website for “semi-automatic rifles” produced a handful of paintball guns, but no lethal weapons. A search for “modern sporting rifles” turned up no results.
It’s unclear how long the suspension will last.
A message with the company's communication's department has not been returned.
Walmart
Walmart, which has a location at 900 S. Route 83 in Villa Park, pulled from its shelves a Bushmaster rifle that's in the same group of guns as the one reportedly used by Lanza, according to media reports.
It’s unclear if the chain suspended sales of any other sporting rifles. Searches for “modern sporting rifle,” "semi-automatic rifle” and “bushmaster” displayed guns for sale in stores only. But when checked for availability, all showed as "out of stock."
Patch also left a message with Walmart’s media relations staff, but that message has not been returned.
the only thing taking away guns is going to do is tell criminals, you know the people who don't follow the law, that nobody is armed.
Maybe the stories don't make it into the news, but there seem to be far fewer reports of people using cars intentionally to kill people. But that really doesn't matter here. What matters is having the conversation about finding solutions to the violence and killing of innocents. I'd be interested in your ideas.