Newspaper Issues Apology for Gun Store's Ad Featuring "Beto Special" and AR-15 Imagery
In the heart of Terre Haute, Indiana, Top Guns, a popular gun store, has been a staple of the community since its opening in 2012. Over the years, the store has grown and expanded, moving to its current 52,000 sq. ft. location in 2017. The facility, boasting the largest showroom and indoor range in the Midwest with 18 shooting lanes, is more than just a gun store. It also features a climbing wall, a stage for live music, and a pizzeria, making it a hub for local entertainment.
Recently, Top Guns found itself at the centre of a local controversy when an advertisement in the Tribune-Star sparked debate. The ad, dubbed the 'best buy' special, offered a discount on AR-15-style rifles, a common firearm in the United States. According to Steve Ellis, the store's owner, the ad was not their first in the Tribune-Star.
The controversy began when Ellis was approached by the newspaper's representatives three times to advertise. However, Ellis found it unusual that they were expected to advertise something other than gun-related products in a gun store. Despite this, he had a contract for front-page advertising with the newspaper.
The 'best buy' special ad, however, seemed to cross a line. When Ellis offered to remove the 'bestbuy' text from the ad, the newspaper staff refused. This decision led to a backlash from the community, who supported Top Guns 'in droves' in response to the newspaper's statements.
The situation escalated when the publisher of the Tribune-Star was called by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita on September 22 to apologise for the publication of the firearm store advertisement the previous day. The apology came after the ad was widely criticised for its political undertones.
Despite the controversy, Top Guns remains a significant part of the Terre Haute community, offering a wide range of firearms, services, and entertainment options for locals and visitors alike. The 'best buy' special incident serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom of speech and the role of businesses in shaping public discourse.
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