Guns aren't banned at Target. But they're no longer welcome thanks to nationwide pressure from mothers like Rebecca Lowen of Minnesota.
Lowen and other members of "Moms Demand Action" petitioned Target to change its policy after "open carry" gun activists began posting pictures of themselves carrying weapons in Target stores.
After a month of pressure which included a rally outside Target's annual meeting and a 400,000 signature petition drive, Target interim CEO, John Mulligan, issued the following statement: "Starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target -- even in communities where it is permitted by law... This is a complicated issue, but it boils down to a simple belief: Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create."
The manager at this Target store in Minnetonka, Minnesota confirmed that Target would ask customers to not bring open carry weapons into the store.
Rebecca Lowen, Minnesota leader of Moms Demand Action, thanked Target and said she can now bring her children shopping.
She promised aggressive action in the upcoming election and legislative session.
"There is an election coming up in November and we are an organized force and we feel very passionate about this issue that its unreasonable for a country as great as the United States to tolerate 86 murders every day by gun violence."
President Barack Obama recently said Congress will continue to block "common sense" gun regulations such as background checks as long as the National Rifle Association and other well financed gun groups are able to wield influence with lawmakers. But he said that could change if people let lawmakers know they've had enough of gun violence and are organizing to take action.