Open Carry Debate Comes To Columbus Walmart

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus police say three Georgia men were not arrested after bringing weapons inside Walmart.

Officers were called to the Columbus store about 10pm on Monday.

Inside, three men were found carrying weapons.

One had a handgun. The second man was carrying a M-4 rifle and the third person had a machete.

One of the men was also wearing a bullet proof vest.

The men told officers they were exercising their open carry rights.

No threatening comments or gestures were made inside the store to employees or customers.

The trio was asked to leave and did so peacefully.

Police Chief Fred Shelton said store employees did the right thing by calling police.

In a written statement, Walmart says quote.. “We adhere to all federal, state and local laws related to the concealed carry and the possession of firearms on our property.”