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Monday, July 28, 2014

Beretta, Moving Production Out Of Md., Joins Gunmakers Heading To Friendlier States

During nearly 40 years making guns in southern Prince George’s County, Beretta USA has endured a complicated relationship with a state dominated by Democratic lawmakers and left-leaning voters­ who don’t usually embrace the famous gunmaker’s products.

“Some people considered the factory a good source of jobs,” said Kelly Canavan, a longtime resident and local activist in Accokeek­, Md., the company’s home since 1977. “But a lot of other people have been disturbed that this huge gun factory is right here, extremely close to a lot of children and families.”

The culture clash escalated after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., where Adam Lanza killed 27 people, including 20 first-graders. In the political furor that followed, Maryland banned 45 types of assault weapons and put in place tough fingerprint, photo identification and training requirements — restrictions viewed by Beretta as the legislative equivalent of a declaration of war on its operations.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Funny. This article includes the need for photo ID to buy a gun as one of the restrictive things about gun ownership but don't dare try and vote without one...

Anonymous said...

Maryland excells in driving out business.

Anonymous said...

No one want's to be in Maryland! Even we native Marylanders want out. Were I a smarter more insightful person, I'd never have invested so much in property here.

P.S.
No reasonable offer refused.

Anonymous said...

This was a good story. Lots of details about the company and its history here in Maryland. They have paid 30 million in taxes over the yars and a Govenor has yet to step foot in the door. Pathetic!