Florida gun store declares: We're a 'Muslim-free' zone

A Florida gun store owner has announced that Muslims are now banned from his gun shop.

Andy Hallinan, owner of "Florida Gun Supply" in Inverness says that, effective immediately, his store is a "Muslim-free zone."

In a controversial video posted online, he speaks of the history of the Confederate flag, and goes on to say, "our leaders are telling you Islam is a peaceful religion full of tolerance and love and hope. Don't believe their lies."

Hallinan stated that last week's deadly shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee was the final straw for him.

He is also offering concealed-carry classes for free and is opening his gun range to anyone that wants to use it.

In response to the video, CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) issued a statement reading:

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said it will call on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate possible federal civil rights violations by businesses in Florida and New Hampshire that have been declared "Muslim free zones."

CAIR says that systematically banning Muslims from such businesses is a violation of federal laws prohibiting racial and religious discrimination in public accommodations.

An Inverness, Fla. gun supply company produced and distributed a video in which a representative of the business appears before a Confederate flag and announces the "Muslim free zone" as a response to the recent shooting in Chattanooga, Tenn.

In the video, that representative also defends the Confederate flag as a symbol of "heritage," blames the election of President Obama for a rise in racism and decries the "lies" of American leaders that "Islam is not evil."

The gun shop owner has added extra security around his shop in expectation of backlash.

See video here.