Minnesota Mayors Call for “Necessary Changes” to Reduce Gun Violence

Minnesota Mayors Call for “Necessary Changes” to Reduce Gun Violence

By MinneapoliMedia Staff

A coalition of Minnesota mayors gathered at the State Capitol this week to urge lawmakers to act on what they called “necessary changes” to reduce gun violence. The call came just days after the Aug. 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, which left two children dead and more than 20 people injured.

Minneapolis Mayor Frey addressing the press at the Minnesota Mayors Coalition gathering: Courtesy-Bring Me The News

The mayors—representing Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several suburban cities including Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Stillwater, Minnetonka, Hopkins, Richfield, and Columbia Heights—outlined a set of priorities they believe are critical for public safety.

Key Proposals

At the press conference, the mayors asked for:

• A statewide and federal ban on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines
• Strengthened safe-storage rules and potential liability or insurance requirements for gun owners
• Enhancements to Minnesota’s “red flag” law, making it easier to keep firearms away from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others
• Increased investments in community safety, including school security and mental-health resources

Push for Local Authority

St. Paul Mayor Carter addressing the press at the Minnesota Mayors Coalition gathering: Courtesy-Pioneer Press

One of the mayors’ strongest demands was to repeal a 1985 state preemption law that prevents Minnesota cities from passing local gun ordinances stricter than state law.

“If state and federal officials are either unwilling or unable to make the necessary change, give us, as mayors of these cities, the ability to do it ourselves,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said.

Governor Walz Signals Special Session

Governor Tim Walz indicated he is preparing to call a special legislative session to address gun violence. The potential package could include an assault-weapons ban, expanded safe-storage requirements, liability measures, and improvements to the red-flag law.

Walz acknowledged the political challenges, noting that bipartisan support will be essential in Minnesota’s narrowly divided Legislature.

Political Hurdles

Republican lawmakers have expressed skepticism about sweeping gun restrictions. Many argue the focus should be on school security and mental health rather than new bans or expanded regulations. Others warned against repealing the preemption law, saying it could create a confusing “patchwork” of local ordinances.

What’s Next

Advocacy groups such as Moms Demand Action have backed the mayors’ appeal, urging quick legislative action. Whether the governor calls a special session—and whether any significant gun reforms can clear political hurdles—remains uncertain.

For now, Minnesota’s mayors say they will continue pressing state leaders to act. “We cannot afford to stand still,” St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said. “Our communities are demanding change.”

MinneapoliMedia