Ammunition vending machines appear in US grocery stores amid rising gun violence

At a time when gun violence is increasing in the United States, some grocery stores have begun installing vending machines stocked with ammunition.

These automated kiosks, introduced by a company named American Rounds, allow gun owners in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama to purchase ammunition as easily as buying a drink from a vending machine.

The vending machines, which are accessible 24/7, require customers to scan their IDs and use a touchscreen to select their desired ammunition. The machines feature advanced technology, including built-in AI, card scanning capabilities, and facial recognition software to verify the buyer's identity.

American Rounds states that these machines are designed to operate like ATMs, providing convenience free from store hours and long lines.

Currently, there are eight machines either installed or being installed across four states. The first machine was placed at a Fresh Value grocery store in Pell City, Alabama, followed by installations in Super C Marts in Oklahoma and a Lowe's Market in Canyon Lake, Texas.

Future installations include LaGrees Food Stores in Buena Vista, Colorado, and another Lowe's Market in Canyon Lake. According to American Rounds CEO Grants Magers, there are over 200 requests for these Automated Ammo Retail Machines (AARM) across nine states.

Magers emphasized that the machines support "law-abiding, responsible gun ownership" and are designed to prevent sales to underage buyers and reduce theft. He noted that traditional retail environments can lead to inadvertent sales to minors and higher theft rates, issues the AARM units aim to mitigate through their sophisticated ID and facial recognition systems.

Despite the company's assurances, a machine in Alabama was recently removed after its legality was questioned. Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner initially thought the reports of these machines were a joke. However, Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley confirmed that the machines are authorized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and are lawful.

American Rounds decided to relocate the machine from the Fresh Value store in Tuscaloosa due to sales performance, according to Magers. He stated that this was purely a business decision.

Moreover, there are no restrictions on the quantity of ammunition customers can purchase from these machines, which are restocked every two to four weeks. As this trend grows, it remains to be seen how it will impact the broader conversation around gun control and public safety in the United States.