Tensions are high in a north Phoenix community where one resident's application to sell firearms from his home has sparked controversy. John Shaw aims to transform his home into an online gun store called King Tactical, but some neighbors are pushing back, fearing for the safety and image of their neighborhood, which is in close proximity to an elementary school.
Despite Shaw's assurances that he plans to strictly adhere to ATF guidelines for firearms sales and that most transactions will be done online, residents worry about the prospect of increased traffic and the appropriateness of gun sales near Quail Run Elementary School. Shaw needs to first secure approval from the city due to potential issues with noise and traffic, before moving forward to obtain a federal firearms license (FFL), according to ABC15.
Concerns have led to a flyer campaign, with some residents stating, "Who wants to have a person selling guns in the backyard?" One neighbor, identified only as ‘Dennis,’ expressed his apprehension to FOX10 Phoenix, saying, "If there’s [gun transactions] here and there, that’s not an image that you want your elementary school kid to see." Shaw, however, remains steadfast in his decision, arguing the benefits of low overhead for his business and mentioning aspirations to expand into a storefront location should his enterprise prove successful.
Both Shaw and his business partner Ryan Zillioux have expressed confusion over residents' fears. "It seems like they’re scared that it’s going to be a lot bigger than what is going to be," Zillioux told FOX10 Phoenix. Shaw further stated, "The FFL and the whole point of this is to ensure these things are going into the hands of people that are sound mind and rightful owners," in an interview obtained by ABC15. Meanwhile, the Paradise Valley Union School District has put its trust in the city's vetting process, stating, "The City of Phoenix has been a great partner to PVSchools in helping us maintain our safe campuses, and there is no reason to believe they would make a decision that places our schools in danger."
With the city zoning hearing scheduled for April 4, neighbors like Dennis plan to make their stand against the proposed business while Shaw and Zillioux prepare to defend their model of gun sales. The outcome of this public discourse will determine whether King Tactical can proceed with its plans to operate out of Shaw's residential property, and in the eye of Phoenix city regulations.
