Dick’s, Walmart Suspend Sales of Semi-Automatic Rifles—What Do You Think?

In the wake of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, Dick’s Sporting Goods, one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the world, has suspended sales of certain kinds of semi-automatic rifles from its stores nationwide. cuyahoga falls

The company, which is headquartered in Moon Township, PA, also has removed all guns from its chain closest to Newtown, CT.

The move follows a decision made by Walmart, which pulled the Bushmaster gun from its website on Monday.

In a statement, Dick's said the move was made out of respect to the victims and families of Newtown. Friday’s shooting left 20 children, all between the ages of 6 and 7, and six adults dead.

The nearest Walmart is on Hudson Drive in Stow. The closest Dick's is on Buchholzer Boulevard in Akron.

“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,” a statement on the Dick’s website said.

CNN reports authorities are working to determine if Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old shooter who killed himself inside the elementary school once the shooting spree was over, tried to buy a gun at the Dick’s Sporting Goods in Danbury, which is about 12 miles away from Newtown.

“At this time, reports that the suspect visited one of our stores last week have not been confirmed by law enforcement," the sporting goods store said in a statement to CNN. "Based on our records, we can confirm that no firearms were sold to the suspect identified in this case."

It is unknown how long the ban on the semi-automatic rifles, also known as modern sporting rifles, will last, CNN reports.

What do you think, Cuyahoga Falls? Do you agree with Dick’s and Walmart's decisions to suspend sales of semi-automatic rifles? What about removing the guns from the store near Newtown?

Should the weapons be banned permanently?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.