Uber has placed a ban on all firearms in cars hailed through its platform, according to NBC News.
Drivers or passengers who violate the new policy may lose access to the application and service. In the past, Uber followed local laws regarding firearms. Uber initiated the new law on Friday "to make sure riders and drivers feel comfortable," The Associated Press reports.
This decision was made months after an incident in Chicago involving an Uber driver. In April, an Uber driver, with a concealed carry permit, shot 22-year old Everardo Custodio who was firing a gun into a group of civilians. The driver shot Custodio six times "in the shin, thigh, and lower back." Reports say the man was shooting into a crowd of people walking near the Uber car. The court ruled self-defense and the driver was not charged, according to Fox News.
Uber Technologies has also been under scrutiny for its background check policy on its drivers. Lyft, a rival competitor of Uber, has a ban on guns as well.
