Walmart to Stop Selling Firearms in New Mexico

A spokeswoman for Walmart stated that the retail giant won’t be selling firearms in New Mexico starting from July 22.

Tiffany Wilson, in an email written to The Hill, said that Walmart made the decision because is not equipped to conduct background checks for private-party firearm transfers required under new state law.

“The new law would require our associates to handle and potentially store handguns and modern sporting rifles, which are types of firearms that Walmart does not sell and associates are not trained to handle or render safe,” Wilson said.

The new law that went into effect on Monday demands background checks on almost all firearm sales in the state.

According to The Hill, it requires stores with federal firearm licenses to conduct background checks before sales. Online gun sales between two individuals require a background check through a federal firearms license holder.

New Mexico Governor, Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham, signed the legislation in March.

“Unlike a specialty sporting goods retailer where customers expect to see firearms of various types being handled, Walmart customers do not generally expect to see individuals walking through the store potentially carrying multiple firearms, which can lead to confusion and potentially putting both our customers and associates at risk,” Wilson told the ABC affiliate.

Meanwhile, the U.S. House last month approved legislation that would require all gun sellers to conduct background checks on gun buyers.  

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