Mark Iannicelli went shopping at a gun store in Florence, Oregon but was turned away when he handed over his business card. He wanted to buy a gun, but the store refused to give it to him, causing Iannicelli to complain to the local media. The store owner, Nathan Graham, noticed a detail on the man’s business card that made him uncomfortable and ultimately denied the sale. Iannicelli’s card showed he was affiliated with the violent and extreme organization antifa, which has been linked to hundreds of domestic attacks and threats of terroristic acts against political opponents.
Iannicelli was surprised and upset by the store’s decision, claiming he had never attended any antifa activities and even tried to downplay his support by saying it was more of a “movement” than a group. “You know I have never actually gone up there and marched with antifa, but he was adamant he wasn’t going to sell me the firearm,” he told KEZI-TV. But Graham saw the presence of antifa on his business card as a red flag and refused to proceed with the sale.
In response to the incident, Iannicelli accused the gun store of violating his Second Amendment right to bear arms and argued that a mere store should not have the power to determine who they can sell to based on political affiliations. He also stated that he now feels like he is being “ripped off” and discriminated against because he has to pay a higher price and have his rights violated. “I’m really getting screwed around. This shouldn’t be happening in this country,” Iannicelli complained adamantly.
However, store owner Nathan Graham defended his decision, stating that his store is committed to supporting individuals in their Second Amendment rights, but if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, they reserve the right to deny the sale. “In the event that a individual makes us uncomfortable in the shop, we will continue to act accordingly,” Graham wrote on Facebook.
As a privately owned business, the gun store has the right to refuse a sale if they see fit, as long as it is within state and federal laws. And with the numerous examples of violence and terrorism connected to antifa, it is understandable why the store owner may have felt uncomfortable and refused the sale.
In the end, this incident raises questions about where to draw the line between individual rights and the safety of the community. While Iannicelli may feel like his rights were violated, the store owner also has a responsibility to ensure that firearms do not fall into the wrong hands.
I mean, if this person were to use the gun for violence and not self-defense, how would the public react?
Perhaps this incident can serve as a reminder for individuals to consider the consequences of their affiliations and actions, especially in a time when political tensions are high. And for gun store owners, it is a reminder of the power and responsibility they hold in ensuring the safe and lawful transfer of firearms.
I don’t think the shop owner was wrong. As a private business, he was within his rights. What about you?