Target is the latest business to change its policy on guns.

CEO John Mulligan writes:

As you’ve likely seen in the media, there has been a debate about whether guests in communities that permit “open carry” should be allowed to bring firearms into Target stores. Our approach has always been to follow local laws, and of course, we will continue to do so. But starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law.

Target’s decision comes after members of Open Carry Texas brought their long arms into the department store and posted the pictures on social media.

Then, Everytown For Gun Safety launched a petition to pressure Target to do something about its gun policy. Everytown’s petition collected roughly 400,000 signatures.

Everytown also claims victory in persuading Starbucks, Chipotle, Sonic and Jack in the Box to change their positions on firearms at their businesses.

Open Carry Texas has responded to Target’s statement in a message on its Facebook page, alluding that the group did not support the actions of those long arms-carry Target customers. Via The Dallas Morning News:

Open Carry Texas regrets Target’s decision to “respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target.” While this is not a ban on legally possessed firearms in its stores, we will continue to honor our months long policy of not taking long arms into Target stores or any other business.

Is this a case of Target caving to outside pressure from the gun control lobby? Or could it be crossing a line for responsible gun owners to be open carrying their long arms in the diapers aisle? Share your thoughts with us below.

Editor’s Note: This article was edited after publication.