Dick's Sporting Goods will no longer sell assault rifles

The chairman and CEO of Dick's Sporting Goods, one of the nation's largest sports retailers, announced that the business will not longer sell assault-style rifles.

During a Wednesday morning appearance on "Good Morning America," Dick's CEO Edward W. Stack said the ban would begin at all stores immediately.

Stack also said his company would no longer sell high-capacity magazines and that it would not sell any gun to anyone under 21 years of age.

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"As we looked at what happened in Parkland, we were so disturbed and saddened by what happened we felt we really needed to do something," Stack said.

Stack also noted that the Parkland shooter, Nikolas Cruz, purchased a shotgun from a Dick's Sporting Goods in November 2017.

"When that happened we realized ... and we did everything by the book. We did everything that the law required, and he was still able to buy a gun," Stack said. "And when we looked at that, we said the systems that are in place across the board just aren't effective enough to keep us from selling someone a gun like that."

Assault weapon sales ended at Dick's stores after the Newtown, Conn. school shooting in 2012, but the company was still selling them at its Field & Stream locations, USA Today reported.

Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. are returning to classes Wednesday for the first time since the Feb. 14 shooting that claimed 17 lives.

Stack also released an open letter about the decision, explained that action is required because "thoughts and prayers are not enough."

"We have tremendous respect and admiration for the students organizing and making their voices heard regarding gun violence in schools and elsewhere in our country," Stack writes. "We have heard you. The nation has heard you. We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens. But we have to help solve the problem that’s in front of us. Gun violence is an epidemic that’s taking the lives of too many people, including the brightest hope for the future of America – our kids."

Stack said he also urges elected officials to enact common sense gun reform by banning assault-style firearms; raising the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21; banning high-capacity magazines and bump stocks; and require universal background checks that include relevant mental health information and previous interactions with the law.

He also hopes that a universal database of those banned from buying firearms is created, and that the private sale and gun show loophole that waives background checks is closed.

"We hope others join us in this effort to let our kids know that their pleas are being taken seriously," Stack writes. "Some will say these steps can’t guarantee tragedies like Parkland will never happen again. They may be correct – but if common sense reform is enacted and even one life is saved, it will have been worth it."

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.