Bentonville, September 5 (RHC)-- At its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, Walmart has announced it will stop selling ammunition for handguns and short-barreled rifles, which can be used in military-style semiautomatic assault weapons.  The store also will stop selling handguns in Alaska, the only remaining state where it sells handguns. 

In addition, the retail giant said it would discourage openly carrying firearms in its stores and back calls for stronger background check laws, as well as a debate on an assault rifle ban.  A recent Quinnipiac poll shows 60% of Americans back an assault rifles ban.  Walmart will, however, continue to sell long-barreled hunting rifles and shotguns, as well as ammunition for those weapons.  

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon sent a letter to Congress Tuesday outlining the company’s policy changes.  The announcement follows a spate of deadly mass shootings, including last month’s anti-immigrant massacre at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart, which killed 22 people.

The Kroger grocery chain has also announced it will request shoppers stop openly carrying firearms. Kroger stores previously adhered to local laws on the matter.  Last year, Kroger ended sales of guns and ammunition in its stores in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.