Dallas couple Stephanie Wehner and Mitch Strobl had a series of engagement photos taken, and went to their local Walmart to have them printed for display to be placed at their reception a few days later. The clean-cut and law-abiding couple were understandably shocked when they went to collect their photos and found a note on the envelope which read,
“Minus one 5×7: NO WEAPONS.”
The “questionable” photo included the couple embracing with a 12 –gauge Ruger Red Label over-and-under shotgun slung over Strobl’s shoulder. The “explanation” offered by the Walmart employee was that such a photo would not be printed because it “promotes gang culture.”
Strobl, who writes safety manuals for hunting and outdoor recreation, argued that the photo was obviously safe because the action was open.
The store manager quickly resolved the situation by explaining to both the couple and the employee that there was no store policy against such a display of weapons. The photo was printed, and Walmart offered Wehner and Strobl a gift card as well.
The irony is that, although Walmart does not carry the exact model shown in the photo, they do sell several shotgun models – including one manufactured by Ruger.
