Clarification: Open Carry NOT Banned at Target

 

Anti-gun group Moms Demand Action are once again claiming victory after a Target CEO John Mulligan released a statement on Targets blog “respectfully request[ing] that guest not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law.” But, like just about all claims made by the MDA spin machine, a little fact checking reveals that they are distorting the truth about Target’s statement.

The Moms Demand Action Facebook page says:

This morning we celebrated when Target announced it will no longer allow firearms in stores. Target listened to moms – its most loyal customers…Using our voices – and our wallets – we are changing America’s culture of gun violence.

The Libertarian Republic reached out to Target to clarify whether or not the statement made by Mr. Mulligan is actually a prohibition against open carrying in their stores and, according company spokesperson Molly Snyder, “This is a request, but not a policy or prohibition.”

In other words, the announcement is another hollow victory for the anti-Second Amendment group.

Target’s non-binding “respectful request” follows a similar statement by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, who issued a statement “respectful request that customers no longer bring firearms into our stores or outdoor seating areas.”  Like Target’s request, the Starbuck’s request is not legally binding.

These requests are designed to placate activists on both sides of the gun control debate.  On the one hand, it’s not unreasonable for a corporation to ask, without demanding and the threat of legal action, that their customers not openly carry firearms on company property.  On the other hand, the flacks at Moms Demand Action have enough of a win to claim victory and leave the corporation alone, even if that victory is hollow.

At the end of the day, corporations like Target are about making money and providing goods to their customers. It is truly unfortunate that groups like Moms Demand Action insist on dragging companies into this highly charged political debate.

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