DENVER, JULY 11, 2024–Colorado Ceasefire today issued this statement on media reports that a company plans to offer ammunition sales via vending machines in Colorado:
‘Colorado Ceasefire is aware of media reports that a Texas company plans to sell ammunition via at least one vending machine in Colorado. While we hesitate to give undue attention to this company–which currently operates only six such machines in the entire US–this development raises several concerns:
- Is the customer identification/facial recognition technology in these machines proven to be accurate and reliable? Beyond vague promises of ‘abid[ing] by regulations,’ the company offers no compelling evidence that it is.
- With more than 1,600 firearms dealers in the state of Colorado (according to ATF, in 2022), we don’t know that an ammunition-access problem exists, even in rural communities. This product strikes us as more about novelty than serving an actual need.
- Finally, decades of research have proven that too-easy access to guns and ammunition is a major contributor to gun violence, including homicides and suicides. We are opposed to any effort to make these deadly tools ‘just another’ consumer item, like soda pop and candy bars.’
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About Colorado Ceasefire
Colorado Ceasefire has led the fight against gun violence in Colorado since 2000. Our Legislative Action branch, a 501(c)4, has fought the gun lobby, working to pass more than two dozen common-sense gun laws. Our Outreach branch, a 501(c)3, engages with Coloradans to promote gun safety and gun violence awareness. Find out more and get involved at www.ColoradoCeasefire.org.
For more information, contact:
David Plank, Communications Director
Colorado Ceasefire
719-623-7639
davidplank@coloradoceasefire.org
Eileen McCarron, President
Colorado Ceasefire Legislative Action
303-946-6959
ColoradoCeasefire1@gmail.com
