Will Co. Young Republicans Plan Walmart Open-Carry Protest

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Will County Young Republicans plan to make their disapproval about Walmart's new gun policies known. The group plans to protest outside the Plainfield Walmart Thursday night.

The protest is planned for 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Walmart at 12690 Il-59 in Plainfield. The protest is in reaction Walmart's recently announced policy that bans open carry of guns in its stores. Walmart also announced it will stop selling certain kinds of ammunition, including handgun ammunition. The decision came after a mass shooting killed 22 people last month at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas.

In announcing the Plainfield protest, Brandon Harris, Chairman of the Will County Young Republicans, said the group is taking a stand for the second amendment.

"Though our team recognizes [Walmart's] constitutional right to do these things we also know ... our 2nd amendment is in danger."

The Plainfield action is part of a nationwide protest of Walmart being planned by Freedom Movement USA, according to the Will County group. Freedom Movement has planned Walmart boycotts in 26 states, according to the group.

Plainfield Police will have a presence at the event, Harris said. The group reminded its followers that the event is meant to be a peaceful protest and that it does not plan to interrupt traffic.