Walz says he will call Minnesota special session on gun reform
Share and Follow


Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) said he plans to call a special session for the state Legislature to consider tougher gun laws after a shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school last week left two children dead and nearly two dozen people injured.

Walz told reporters on Tuesday he plans to propose a “very comprehensive” package that could include an assault-weapons ban. He said he plans to make calls to lawmakers and work on a plan over the next couple of days.

The Democratic governor acknowledged he will likely need to get some buy-in from Republican lawmakers, since the Minnesota Legislature is so closely divided.

“To be very candid, just in a very evenly divided (Legislature), I’m going to need some Republicans to break with the orthodoxy and say that we need to do something on guns,” Walz said on Tuesday.

Walz said his gun proposals would not infringe on Second Amendment rights but would protect students from gun violence. He said he’s open to Republican ideas.

He floated several other possibilities that could be included in his legislative proposal, including more mental health funding, improvements to the state’s 2023 “red flag” law and new requirements on safe storage and liability insurance.

“If Minnesota lets this moment slide, and we determine that it’s OK for little ones to not be safe in a school environment or a church environment, then shame on us,” Walz said.

The suspect in the school shooting last week was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who once attended the Catholic school in suburban Minneapolis. Westman died by suicide after firing 116 rifle rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows, after barricading the church’s doors, police said.

The suspect was carrying a rifle, pistol and shotgun during the attack, according to officials, all three of which were purchased legally.

The Associated Press contributed

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
JD Vance embraces viral meme in hilarious Halloween video

JD Vance Incorporates Viral Meme in Entertaining Halloween Video

This Halloween, Vice President JD Vance embraced the humor of online parodies…
Lisa Ling breaks silence after CBS ouster

Lisa Ling Speaks Out Following Departure from CBS

Esteemed journalist Lisa Ling expressed no shock upon discovering she was among…
Lynwood boy killed: Parents, grandmother charged after 8-year-old Isaiah H. found dead in cooler in Lynwood, California

Tragic Discovery: Lynwood Family Faces Charges After 8-Year-Old Isaiah Found Deceased in Cooler

In Lynwood, California, a grim discovery has led to serious charges against…
Virginia teacher shot by 6-year-old student 'thought she was dead' as bodycam emerges

Virginia Teacher’s Harrowing Experience Revealed in New Bodycam Footage: Shot by 6-Year-Old Student

Graphic Content Advisory: The following article includes footage from police body cameras…
We don't want 'horrible' Andrew, say Sandringham locals

Sandringham Residents Express Concerns Over Prince Andrew’s Presence

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is expected to lead a secluded life on King…
Area 51 'unmanned aircraft' crash probed by Air Force, FBI — as claims rumors swirl

Air Force and FBI Investigate Mysterious Drone Crash at Area 51 Amid Swirling Rumors

A recent aircraft crash near the enigmatic Area 51 in Nevada has…
Peaceful protests in Chicago amid scrutiny of Border Patrol chief

Cartels Allegedly Offering $10,000 Bounty for Attacks on Border Patrol Agents, Memo Reveals

Federal authorities have issued a stark warning about a dangerous new strategy…
Top Armed Services senators want answers on boat strikes

Top Senators Demand Answers on Increasing Boat Strikes: A Call for Urgent Action and Accountability

On Friday, the leaders of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, representing…