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
Flights at Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC, grounded due to 'reported security issue': FAA

FAA Grounds Flights at Reagan National Airport Near Washington, DC Amid Security Concerns

A temporary halt in operations was declared at Reagan National Airport, close…
ICE Chicago news: Federal immigration agents detain man at Prospect Heights, Illinois apartment complex, video shows

Federal Immigration Agents Arrest Man at Prospect Heights Apartment Complex, Captured on Video

In Prospect Heights, Illinois, federal agents descended upon an apartment complex around…
Midterm election 2026 news: Congressman Jesús 'Chuy' García will not seek reelection in Illinois' 4th Congressional District

Breaking: Congressman Jesús ‘Chuy’ García Steps Down – What This Means for Illinois’ 4th District in 2026 Midterms

CHICAGO (WLS) — The composition of Illinois’ congressional delegation is poised for…
Man shot, killed at Jacksonville hookah lounge; shooter taken into custody after calling 911, police say

Tragic Night at Jacksonville Hookah Lounge: Shooter Calls 911 After Fatal Incident

In a startling incident on Monday night, a man was discovered fatally…
Former Vice President Dick Cheney dead at 84

Dick Cheney, Former Vice President, Passes Away at 84

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, widely regarded as one of the most…
FILE -- In this June 1, 2009 file photo, former Vice President Dick Cheney speaks at the National Press Club in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a pivotal and controversial figure in U.S. politics, passes away at 84

Dick Cheney, a formidable figure in American politics known for his staunch…
Zohran Mamdani storms to victory in New York City mayoral race

Breaking New Ground: Zohran Mamdani’s Historic Win in NYC Mayoral Election

In a stunning political development, Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the…
Outline of potential shutdown deal emerges as senators continue talks

Senators Unveil Potential Agreement to Prevent Government Shutdown

Washington — As the government shutdown edges closer to becoming the longest…