Walmart Removing Violent Video Game Displays After Shootings, But Will Keep Selling Guns

Walmart, after a far-right domestic terrorist killed 22 people at an El Paso store, a former employee killed two managers at a Mississippi store, and a man armed with a rifle and body armor walked into a Missouri store, is removing violent video game displays but will continue to sell guns.

Walmart said in a memo circulated on social media and confirmed by USA Today that they were taking “immediate action” to remove displays that “contain violent themes or aggressive behavior.”

“We’ve taken this action out of respect for the incidents of the past week, and this action does not reflect a long-term change in our video game assortment,” Walmart spokeswoman Tara House told the outlet.

When asked if they planned to stop selling guns, Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove said there has “been no change in policy.”

"We will be thoughtful and deliberate in our responses, and we will act in a way that reflects the best values and ideals of our company, with a focus on serving the needs of our customers, associates and communities,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement to employees.

Memo urges employees to crack down on movies, video games:

While the store displays can continue to show off guns, the memo urged managers to review the store for violent signs or displays and “remove from the salesfloor or turn off these items immediately.”

“Turn off or unplug any video game display consoles that show a demo of violent video games,” the memo said. “Cancel any events promoting combat style or third-person shooter games,” and “verify that no movies depicting violence are playing.”

“Turn off any hunting season videos” and “check all signing throughout the store and remove any referencing combat or third-person shooter video games.”

Video games are not causing America’s gun violence:

The is a ton of research already showing that violent video games do not cause violent crimes, but if you are unsure or know nothing about either topic, this chart compares video game revenue to gun violence by country.

See if you can spot the outlier.

 

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