As a consequence of the Florida shooting disaster, the push for gun control got stronger. Recently, several companies severed ties with the National Rifle Association and many retailers announced they would stop selling assault-style rifles and lifted the minimum age for purchasing guns.
The retailers who said they were increasing the minimum age to purchase guns and rifles from 18 to 21 years include Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS), Walmart (WMT), Kroger (KR) and L.L. Bean.
However, now both Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart are being sued by a 20-year old man from Oregon named Tyler Watson for age discrimination. Watson alleged that the retailers refused to sell him firearms as he was under 21.
The lawsuits, which were filed in two different counties, are believed to be the first ones against the new gun policies. Watson wants the two retailers to stop their unlawful discrimination towards people aged 18-20.
While Walmart plans to safeguard its policy, Dick’s has not yet provided any clarification.
In a separate incident, a 20-year old employee’s post on Facebook about his decision to quit his job over the gun policies went viral.
Swansboro resident Griffin McCullar quit his job at Dick’s Sporting Goods as he could not endorse their changes to the gun policy. McCullar, who did not expect his post to land him in the midst of a massive guns debate, said he enjoys hunting and values firearms. Apart from the gun policy, McCullar had no issues with Dick’s Sporting Goods.
McCullar said if people can vote or join the armed forces at the age of 18, they should be allowed to buy guns. He now works at EJW’s, a Morehead City store, which sells guns.
It’s worth noting that gun stocks American Outdoor Brands (AOBC) and Sturm Ruger (RGR) showed positive trends on Monday after FBI announced month-over-month and year-over-year rise in February firearm background checks.