Success: National Store Chain Blocks the Open Carrying of Firearms

Success: National Store Chain Blocks the Open Carrying of Firearms

Excerpt: The executive of a large corporation has requested that individuals leave their guns behind when shopping at their stores. Applaud the decision not to allow the threat of violence and to create a safe environment in these stores.

Target: John J. Mulligan, Target Interim President and CEO/CFO

Goal: Thank CEO of Target for enforcing a "no open carry" policy for firearms in Target stores

The national corporation Target has come under criticism for permitting open carry of guns in their stores. As a result, many demonstrations by groups condoning open-carry policies were carried out, particularly in states where gun laws are most lax. A recent ForceChange petition [link to: http://forcechange.com/127284/ban-the-open-carrying-of-firearms-in-store-chain/] called on the chief executive officer (CEO) of Target, John J. Mulligan, to enforce a policy against openly carrying firearms in Target.

The _Minneapolis Star Tribune_ reports that the executives at Target corporation have heard the voice of people who asked for a safer environment where families feel welcome. According to the _Tribune_, Mulligan has stated, "[S]tarting today we will… respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target, even in communities where it is permitted by law." To implement this request, Target will place signs at its stores asking that people not bring guns inside.

Please join us in thanking the CEO of Target for this acknowledgment that these gun demonstrations are disruptive and this request that individuals no longer openly carry firearms in the store.

PETITION LETTER:

Thank you for listening to the voice of Americans who reject the open carry of guns in public stores like Target. Target stores have historically been environments where families gather to shop, and the presence of lethal weapons in such an arena is unacceptable. I sincerely appreciate your commitment to maintaining Target stores as safe environments for families.

In the future, I urge you to continue to stand firm on this issue and to request that individuals openly carrying guns not enter the store. This request sends an important message that the threat of violence will not be tolerated at Target stores.

Thank you again for your judgment in this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]