Two national retailers—WalMart Stores and The Dick's Sporting Goods—have decided to remove some rifles from store shelves.

The Dick's Sporting Goods chain said Tuesday that it is suspending sales of some rifles nationwide because of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, USA Today is reporting.

Dick's Sporting Goods has more than 500 stores in 44 states with Twin Cities locations including Roseville, Minnetonka, Richfield, Maple Grove, Burnsville, Woodbury, Coon Rapids and Monticello. 

In a statement, the Pittsburgh-based sporting goods retailer said today, "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."

USA Today said, "It's not clear how long the suspension will last. A spokesman for Dick's did not immediately return a call for comment on Tuesday."

Meanwhile, WalMart Stores has taken similar action.

"Walmart announced Monday that the chain is pulling the Bushmaster Rifle from its web store, a military-style weapon similar to that used by 20-year-old Adam Lanza in the mass shooting that killed 20 children and six staff members Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School," according to CBS' Los Angeles affiliate.

Walmart has several stores in the Twin Cities metro area with locations in, among other places, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Fridley, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, St. Anthony Village, Maple Grove, Shakopee and Woodbury. 

Meanwhile, later in the day, the National Rifle Association issued the following statement:

"The National Rifle Association of America is made up of four million moms and dads, sons and daughters – and we were shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown.

Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting.

The NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again."

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