Dick's Sporting Goods Says Gun Ban is Temporary

Dick's Sporting Goods has issued a statement this morning about the company's decision to stop selling semiautomatic rifles at its 500-plus stores nationwide.

WW broke the news last night that Dick's had stopped selling the weapons, based on what clerks at several stores in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho told the newspaper.

But it it turns out the ban might be short-lived.

Here's the official statement from Dick's this morning.

"We are extremely saddened by the unspeakable tragedy that occurred last week in Newtown, CT, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and to the entire community. Out of respect for the victims and their families, during this time of national mourning we have removed all guns from sale and from display in our store nearest to Newtown and suspended the sale of modern sporting rifles in all of our stores chainwide. We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible tragedy."

Dick's has not responded to WW's request for comment.