A loaded gun found in the toy aisle of a South Carolina Target has triggered a new debate about the open carry law.
A Target employee found a gun similar to this one in plain view on top of a Playskool toolbox. And some shoppers don’t think the placement was a coincidence. (Via YouTube /personaldfence)
“I think he purposefully left it there for a kid to pick it up.”
“No, it was there for a reason.” (Via WMBF)
This incident came only months after gun rights activists protested at a Texas Target by openly carrying rifles through the store. (Via BuzzFeed)
These recent incidents sparked gun control group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America to launch a petition calling for Target to prohibit customers from openly carrying guns in the store. (Via CNN)
With more than 25,000 signatures, the Indiana-based group is urging Target to join companies such as Chipotle, Sonic and Jack in the Box by not allowing customers to openly carry.
After the two incidents, the National Rifle Association had a moment when it appeared to agree with the moms group. (Via The New York Times)
A statement on the NRA's website said: “It’s downright weird and certainly not a practical way to go normally about your business while being prepared to defend yourself. … It makes folks who might normally be perfectly open-minded about firearms feel uncomfortable and question the motives of pro-gun advocates.”
That statement caused a lot of backlash for the NRA, which caused essential members to back off. (Via CBS)
The organization then backpedaled on its previous comments, which had the Moms Demand Action leader criticizing the NRA for caving under pressure.
“For one brief, shining moment we were on the same track as the NRA, supporting common sense reforms that would actually keep our families safe and then they back tracked on us. What they said still stands, there’s no taking it back.” (Via MSNBC)
Target spokesperson Molly Snyder put out a statement saying: "The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority. Target does not sell firearms or ammunition and, as it relates to this issue we follow all state and federal laws." (Via Forbes)
Target says since the most recent incident in South Carolina is still under investigation, they cannot share any more information.
