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Beretta Gun Company Is Leaving Maryland

The corporation, joining other gunmakers heading to friendlier states, is taking its manufacturing to Tennessee, costing the state 160 jobs.

During nearly 40 years making guns in southern Prince George’s County, Beretta USA has endured a complicated relationship with a state dominated by Democratic lawmakers and left-leaning voters­ who don’t usually embrace the famous gunmaker’s products. “Some people considered the factory a good source of jobs,” said Kelly Canavan, a longtime resident and local activist in Accokeek­, Md., the company’s home since 1977. “But a lot of other people have been disturbed that this huge gun factory is right here, extremely close to a lot of children and families.”

 

The culture clash escalated after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., where Adam Lanza killed 27 people, including 20 first-graders. In the political furor that followed, Maryland banned 45 types of assault weapons and put in place tough fingerprint, photo identification and training requirements — restrictions viewed by Beretta as the legislative equivalent of a declaration of war on its operations.

Last week the gunmaker fired back, announcing that it will move its manufacturing operations before the Free State tries to impose even more onerous restrictions.

Instead, it will make its weapons in Tennessee, where an un-Maryland type of law went into effect this summer: Residents without carry permits can now keep loaded guns in their cars.

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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