Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is asking Minnesota’s legislature to return to a special session so that lawmakers can consider stronger gun-control laws, according to reports. The move comes after a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church and School on Aug. 27.
Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed and 21 others were injured.
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Governor pushes gun control after deadly mass shooting
After attending a back-to-school event in Eagan on Tuesday, Walz told reporters that he’ll be calling lawmakers in the coming days and working on a detailed plan covering several aspects of gun legislation. One part of the plan might be a ban on assault weapons.
“The sad reality of it is that what happened last week is preventable because so many nations around the world do it, and we cannot resign ourselves to believe that our little ones can’t be safe in what should be and always is the most safe environments they can possibly be in, so there’s more work to do there,” Walz said, according to KSTP News.
The governor hasn’t fully explained his proposals yet but said they won’t infringe on Americans’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. He said he is willing to consider suggestions from Republicans.
Bipartisan talks possible amid tight legislature
It’s uncertain whether new gun laws will get enough votes to become law. The state legislature is nearly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, making it hard to pass controversial laws. The House is expected to be tied 67–67, with Republicans in charge. The Senate has a one-member Democratic majority.
“As disappointing as it is that the governor is doing this in such an overtly political way, House Republicans stand ready to protect students and schools,” Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, said in a statement on X.
“I hope we can have a real conversation about all aspects of safety – including things like the school security funding that was denied by the DFL trifecta in 2023 and more funding for desperately needed mental health resources – instead of vague demands for policies that have not stopped gun violence in other states,” Demuth added.
Victims, shooter details emerge in wake of tragedy
Robin Westman, 23, carried out a mass shooting at the Catholic school in Minneapolis on Aug. 27. Officials said Westman used a rifle, shotgun and handgun and fired them 116 times through the decorative glass windows of the church while students were attending mass.
