Dick’s Sporting Goods announced Wednesday (Feb. 28) on Twitter that it will halt the sales of assault-style rifles in their stores following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14.
“We deeply believe that this country’s most precious gift is our children,” the company posted on Twitter ahead of a flurry of new commitments, including requiring gun buyers to be at least 21 years old despite state laws. “They are our future. We must keep them safe.”
We deeply believe that this country’s most precious gift is our children. They are our future. We must keep them safe. Beginning today, DICK’S Sporting Goods is committed to the following: https://t.co/J4OcB6XJnu pic.twitter.com/BaTJ9LaCYe
— DICK’S Sporting Goods (@DICKS) February 28, 2018
Celebrities including Josh Groban, Chelsea Handler and Olympic athlete Gus Kenworthy took to Twitter to show their support for the sports retailer and applaud their decision.
Check out some of their responses below:
I suddenly feel like buying a baseball mitt, some tennis strings, a football helmet, a lacrosse stick, and pare of pole vault sneakers, a jock-strap, soccer cleats, Astro turf, hockey gloves and a power bar. ———— https://t.co/2qKrGviA2D
— josh groban (@joshgroban) February 28, 2018
Thank you, Dick’s Sporting Goods. This is the first good news about dicks since the #MeToo movement started.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) February 28, 2018
I’m a gay man and I can honestly say I’ve never loved @dicks more. pic.twitter.com/BdyuextBOo
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 28, 2018
I know where I’m buying all of my sporting goods from now on. ???? THANK YOU @DICKS for not only caring, but making a change. — pic.twitter.com/z10e6V9bwe
— om (@oliviamunn) February 28, 2018
“We should be brave enough to take a stand. And that’s what we’re doing.” Yes! There is light in this world. It can pierce through darkness. Excuse me while I go online to @DICKS and buy a baseball mitt, some golf balls + a tennis racket in support with my no sports playing self. https://t.co/ximbXbUGvW
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 28, 2018
This is a BIG DEAL. Props to Dick’s & Power to the #Parkland students for continuing to speak out. —- https://t.co/hc9jTwIOAj
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) February 28, 2018
Thank you, @DICKS for not selling assault weapons anymore and choosing our children’s safety over money.
I will buy milo and bella’s sporting goods at @dicks. Your leadership on this issue is so appreciated.
??—-??———-?#ThankYouDicks
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) February 28, 2018
Can’t say don’t be a dick anymore because of you @DICKS. At least it’s for a good reason. #GunControlNow
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) February 28, 2018
BREAKING? @DICKS Sporting Goods will NO LONGER SELL ASSAULT WEAPONS!!! Everybody RUN to @Dicks for all your kid’s sporting goods needs. Unlike @FedEx, they actively choose KIDS SAFETY over $. If youre a concerned citizen, please give all your business to @DICKS. RT 2 thank them
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) February 28, 2018
Wow, thank you for what you’re doing @DICKS! You’re on the right side of history! I’m literally gonna force myself to actually play a sport just so I can buy sporting goods from you.
— Ben Platt (@BenSPLATT) February 28, 2018
Thank you @DICKS for doing the right thing. Pleading for the rest of the nation take your lead. pic.twitter.com/Szn1pkwgqv
— Bryce Dallas Howard (@BryceDHoward) February 28, 2018