Walmart Looted in Philadelphia to Remove Guns from Store Displays

Preparation for Potential Theft and Robbery Occurrences

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, has decided not to display firearms and ammunition in some of its stores. This decision comes amid concerns over racial discrimination protests in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the potential for social unrest following the presidential election on the 3rd of next month.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 29th (local time), Walmart has decided to temporarily remove firearms and ammunition from display in about half of its approximately 4,700 stores across the U.S. This measure is in response to ongoing social unrest caused by protests in Philadelphia, aiming to prevent possible firearm thefts.

A Walmart spokesperson stated in a press release, "Recent civil unrest continues," and added, "For the safety of our employees and customers, we have decided to remove firearms and ammunition from the display shelves." Walmart also noted that it has not yet decided how long this policy will remain in effect.

This decision by Walmart follows the racial unrest that occurred in Philadelphia on the 26th. The controversy arose after Walter Willis (27), a Black man suffering from mental illness, was shot and killed by a white police officer while exhibiting erratic behavior with a knife on the street. What began as a memorial protest escalated into violent incidents, with dozens of cars set on fire and hundreds of stores looted. So far, over 50 police officers have been injured, and about 170 protesters have been arrested. The National Guard was deployed starting on the 28th, and a nighttime curfew was imposed.

It is reported that the Walmart store in Port Richmond, Philadelphia, was looted during this unrest.

Walmart was also targeted during the George Floyd protests against racial discrimination in June, when several stores were damaged and looted. At that time, Walmart also stopped displaying firearms and ammunition.

Gun demand in the U.S. has rapidly increased this year. According to FBI background checks, firearm demand surged significantly. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), a firearms industry trade association, reported that the number of new gun owners from January to July this year reached a record high of 12.1 million, representing a 72% increase compared to the same period last year.

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, there are predictions that civil unrest may intensify. It is feared that the losing side may distrust the fairness of the election results and react strongly. The New York Times (NYT) analyzed that "the presidential campaign has dramatically reflected the deeply polarized state of America."

There is also analysis that protests may become more intense around the election due to President Donald Trump’s emphasis on law and order and his crackdown on Black protests. The Brookings Institution stated, "The anti-racial discrimination protests this year have shown more extreme confrontations between conservatives and progressives than ever before," and predicted, "There may be increased activity by far-right groups in some areas before and after the election."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.