Residents talk about retailers’ decisions regarding open carry

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Local residents spoke Wednesday about the recent decision of Walmart to end sales of handgun ammunition.

Walmart’s announcement follows the Aug. 4 shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, where 22 people were shot dead.

Walmart also announced that stores will begin asking customers not to openly carry weapons inside locations in states that allow open carry.

“If I wanted to shoot somebody, I would want to go in a place that didn’t have any good people with guns,” said Don Kirby.

Wednesday, Kroger grocery stores followed Walmart’s lead by telling customers in open carry states not to display their firearms inside their stores.

“Walmart and Kroger are a private enterprise, so at the end of the day, they can make up the rules that they want, if they want guns on their property, that’s their business,” said William Baker, a local resident.

Others just want to stop seeing violence occurring so often.

“It’s sad that when I think of another seven people dying from a shooting is a normal thing. I’m tired of it, so something has got to change,” said David Downing, a local resident.

When it comes to the sale of handgun ammunition at Walmart, Sherwood Davis, owner of a local gun shop, disagrees with the superstore’s decision

“When it comes to our second amendment rights and the ability for us to defend ourselves there is that slippery slope that they keep eroding upon these rights. It may help my business but, the overall effect is not good,” Sherwood said.

In addition, Walmart has also been putting pressure on Congress to make changes to gun laws following back-to-back mass shootings in the U.S.

Kroger also indicated the company will call on lawmakers to pass gun reform laws, such as requiring stronger background checks.

CNN contributed information to this story.