In a bold stance against gun violence, a major sporting goods retailer has taken significant action. Following the tragic events surrounding mass shootings in the U.S., where legislative bodies have failed to implement necessary reforms, corporate leaders are stepping up. One such leader is Mark Johnson, CEO of the retailer, who disclosed that after the Parkland school shooting, the company destroyed $5 million worth of AR-15 rifles that had been removed from their inventory.
Previously one of the nation’s largest gun retailers, the company began reassessing its role in firearm sales after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2012. Johnson reflected on this, stating, “How can anyone argue against background checks for gun purchasers? It’s absurd.” After Sandy Hook, he decided to cease sales of AR-15s—the same type of weapon used in that horrific incident, which claimed the lives of numerous children.
Initially, the plan was to quietly remove the rifles without making a fuss. “We expected some backlash, but nothing prepared us for the level of criticism we faced,” Johnson admitted. “The accusations of being anti-Second Amendment and anti-Constitution are completely unfounded. Our focus was on preventing the sale of high-capacity weapons capable of causing mass harm.”
However, the situation escalated after the Parkland shooting, when Johnson learned that the company had sold a shotgun to the perpetrator. “That revelation hit hard,” he explained. “We couldn’t be part of this anymore.” This prompted him and his spouse to visit Parkland survivors, a journey that inspired the decision to raise the minimum age for gun purchases to 21, a move that cost the company approximately $250,000.
Faced with a stockpile of AR-15s they no longer intended to sell, Johnson made the difficult choice to destroy them. “If we truly believe these weapons should not be on the streets, then we need to take definitive action,” he stated. Subsequently, the company converted $5 million worth of AR-15s into scrap.
This decision aligns with a broader trend of corporations taking action where lawmakers have not. Recently, nearly 150 business leaders signed a letter urging Congress to address gun violence, following retail giants such as Walmart and Walgreens asking customers to refrain from open-carrying in their stores.
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In summary, the actions taken by Mark Johnson and his company signify a growing movement among businesses to combat gun violence in the absence of legislative action. This bold step of destroying AR-15s is not only a statement against gun violence but also highlights the responsibility corporations feel in ensuring community safety.