Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco, with locations all over the US and world, as of 06-04-25, has a “no firearms and other weapons” policy. They also state, “At Costco, we don’t believe it’s necessary to bring firearms into our warehouses, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers. For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace.”

Their belief doesn’t seem to be based upon facts. It is a dangerous world, a world filled with weapons, a world with terrorism, a world with drug use, and a world with mental illness. The facts don’t support Costco’s stated beliefs.

We have some beliefs of our own. We believe Costco is assuming the duty to protect all of the people on its properties by prohibiting the use of defensive weapons that can be vital for survival of an attack. The use of defensive weapons, especially firearms, result in much less casualty to the innocent victims defending themselves compared to unarmed victims.

Shaun Kranish of KeepAndBear.org has put Costco on notice multiple times.

04-25-25 – Shaun Kranish of KeepAndBear.org put Costco on notice in writing. Prior to that they were notified verbally as well of the risks of these dangerous policies and lack of armed guards. (Video coming soon)

05-23-25 – Shaun Kranish spoke to Costco on the phone and exchanged emails with Sean Constable, a Costco employee. Notice was sent via email as well.

Costco has been put on notice and made aware of the hazardous policy they have prohibiting defensive weapons on properties and of the assumption of duty to protect and liability.