Chain pulls rifles from shelves

UNDATED, (WPRI)- A nationwide sporting good retailer is pulling all semi-automatic rifles off shelves nationwide in response to the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

Dick's Sporting Goods issued a statement Tuesday that read, "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 chain wide. We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible tragedy."

No word on how long the company plans to keep rifles off of shelves.

Dick's Sporting Goods has more than 500 stores in 44 states.