AI-powered ammunition “vending machines,” an increasing presence in grocery stores in Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma, make retailers vulnerable to criminal charges and legal liability.
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2024 – Brady, the nation's leading gun violence prevention organization, today sounded the alarm on the emergence of gun ammunition “vending machines,” which make it recklessly easy to immediately purchase deadly ammunition at your local grocery store without necessary human interaction or oversight.
The new machines – which appear to use new and untested AI technology – come as gun violence remains the leading cause of death for kids in the United States, and could result in the illegal sale of ammunition to children or other prohibited individuals. Stores that choose to host these vending machines may face criminal charges or civil liability if they sell ammo to individuals prohibited from possessing ammo and guns.
Kris Brown, President of Brady said:
“The gun industry wants to treat guns and ammo like they’re candy from the checkout aisle – even as guns remain the leading killer of kids and teens in this country. It’s reprehensible, but it’s not surprising. In their rush for profit, the gun industry will stop at nothing to make the sale of guns and ammunition as easy as possible – even if it means making them as accessible as a can of soda.
“I want to be clear: Grocery stores that agree to host these vending machines are not only putting their customers and communities at risk. They are also opening the door to criminal charges and legal liability.
“We need to remove these machines from our grocery stores, and we need to do it now.”
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Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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