Walmart Fined by New York Attorney General Over the Sale of Realistic Toy Guns

Walmart allegedly broke New York law when some third-party sellers shipped realistic toy guns to addresses within the state. The world’s largest retailer will pay a $16,000 fine to settle the case.

As part of the agreement, Walmart will improve and implement policies to deter third-party sellers from offering or distributing prohibited items to New York customers. If a seller is found in violation of the restrictions, it will receive various warnings. Should the vendor still not comply, Walmart will take further action, which will be determined by the severity of the violations and could include contract termination.

“Walmart failed to prevent its third-party sellers from selling realistic-looking toy guns to New York addresses, violating our laws and putting people at risk,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a press release.

Under New York law, toy guns must be brightly colored or made of clear or semitransparent materials. Imitation weapons cannot be black, dark blue, aluminum, or silver.

New York Investigators Bought Realistic Toy Guns From Walmart

According to the attorney general, guns that look too much like the real thing “put communities in serious danger” and are outlawed in New York. Investigators with the AG’s office were able to purchase and ship nine realistic toy guns to New York addresses through Walmart.com.

“The ban on realistic-looking toy guns is meant to keep New Yorkers safe and my office will not hesitate to hold any business that violates that law accountable,” said James.

In 2015, Walmart, Amazon, and several other retailers entered into a collective agreement with the previous New York state attorney general to remove realistic toy guns from store shelves. A settlement of approximately $300,000 was also paid. The deal was initiated after 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot by Cleveland, Ohio, police while holding a toy gun.

Walmart has not officially commented on the settlement and does not admit to any wrongdoing. However, the retailer said it works to follow all federal and state laws and regulations accordingly.

“We are committed to complying with all laws, and we have processes in place to ensure products offered for sale by third-party sellers on our marketplace comply with all applicable laws as well,” a Walmart representative told UPI.