SHAWNEE, Kan. — She’s A Pistol gun shop in Shawnee had its grand re-opening on Friday morning. Regulars and new customers alike came to show support for owner Becky Bieker after an attempted armed robbery almost two months ago.
“I was very, very happy to hear that Becky was going to reopen and not close it, and just take a stand,” said Sara Johnson, a regular customer.
“I thought I knew where all the gun shops were here in this area, but I didn’t, so I figured once she reopened I’d come by and spread a little cash around, help her out,” said Steve Pelot, a first-time customer.
“I wanted to show Becky my support and the support of the shooting sisterhood, and to make sure that she knows that we are here and we love her and we want to help her in whatever way we can,” Susan Beers said, another regular.
Customers came by the grand re-opening of She’s A Pistol to show Bieker they’re standing by her.
“Any kind of tragedy I think brings people together,” added Pelot.
Back in January, Becky was injured, and her husband, Jon, was killed in a shootout during an attempted robbery by four men. The four suspects were also injured in the shooting.
“I was very upset, concerned, shocked,” Johnson said.
“It seems to almost be a wake up call the way society is getting,” said Pelot, “Things are getting out of hand.”
“I was mad as hell,” added Beers.
Customers say they’re happy that Bieker decided to reopen the store. They now plan to continue to support the store — and its owner.
“She’s a widow now, I’m a widower, so I feel an affinity toward anybody that’s been through this kind of stuff,” Pelot added.
“Seeing them and seeing their faces and hearing their words of support are definitely whats keeping me motivated and keeping me a little more upbeat today,” Bieker said.
She says Jon will always be with her.
“He would be very overwhelmed and eternally grateful,” Bieker said.
Bieker says she’s truly grateful for all the kind words and support she’s gotten from the community. Customers say they will continue to support her and her store as long as the doors are open.
