Heading to Target in Mays Landing? Leave Your Guns at Home

The folks at Target say if you plan on shopping there....you should leave your guns at home.

Kind of ironic for a place that has a target as its logo, huh?

Apparently there has been talk about whether or not Target customers in areas of "open carry" laws were welcome to shop their favorite store while packing heat. The answer is no. (By the way, New Jersey is not an open carry law state. )

Target Interim CEO John Mulligan has clarified the company's policy with a statement:

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.

We’ve listened carefully to the nuances of this debate and respect the protected rights of everyone involved. In return, we are asking for help in fulfilling our goal to create an atmosphere that is safe and inviting for our guests and team members.

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.