BEAVERDAM, Va. (WTVR) -- A sign outside a Beaverdam store has some residents up in arms after last Friday's deadly shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.
In fact, some people in the rural community want the yellow banner stating "new and used guns, machine guns and suppressors" removed from the Beaverdam Quik Stop because they say it's in poor taste.
"I think it sends the wrong message," Sherrie Sauer told CBS 6 News senior reporter Wayne Covil on Wednesday. "I think it's a little disrespectful to the people in Connecticut to have that sort of sign up here.... particularly the close proximity to Beaverdam Elementary School."
Donna Bresko agreed with Sauer and said the sign frankly makes her sick to her stomach.
"I feel like by her not taking it down... they're trying to capitalize on the attention that is being drawn to guns," Bresko said.
On the other hand, some residents said they support the small business owners -- and do not think the sign should be pulled since it has been up for months. They also said that the owners are not insensitive to the tragedy what has happened.
"This place has been here many years and they're good people... I don't think they're trying to be insensitive towards anyone with the sign," Corey Clarke, who pointed out the sign has been up for a long time, said.
"No I don't think its insensitive at all," Monica Powers said. "I don't think we should stop our lives... just because of what somebody did anywhere -- even if it happened here."
The couple who own the store, who did not want to appear on camera, told Covil that the sign will remain in place.
