With no consensus in sight, Republicans refuse to endorse gun bans, prompting the Governor to question whether reconvening the Legislature is worthwhile in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Governor Tim Walz’s plan for a fall special session following the tragedy at the Annunciation Catholic Church is now in jeopardy after talks with legislative leaders stalled.
Without Republican agreement to even include gun control in the agenda, Walz warned that calling lawmakers back might turn into a “waste of time.”
The two sides have clashed over what the session should focus on: Democrats push for a so-called “Assault Weapons” Ban and limits on standard-capacity magazines, while Republicans insist on broader themes like school safety, mental health, and public security — without specifying gun legislation.
Republicans argue that imposing new gun controls would penalize law-abiding citizens instead of targeting criminals.
Supporters of the Governor’s plan believe that limiting law-abiding Minnesotan’s gun rights is essential to prevent future tragedies.
But with the House evenly split and the Senate short a vote, Democrats may lack the numbers needed to pass such measures even if they reach the floor.
Walz has said he is still prepared to call a session “one way or another,” but added that it would be unjustified unless real progress is made — and the National Association for Gun Rights is asking it’s supporters in Minnesota to remain vigilant.
In fact, in a recent email to supporters in Minnesota, Dudley Brown, President of the National Association for Gun Rights said:
“The victory is real, but the fight isn’t over. If Walz even geta hint of gun owners getting complacent, he’ll try to strike again.”
Some faith leaders and community groups have petitioned him to act, though others caution that without bipartisan buy-in, any special session would produce only talk and no results.
Read more at CBS News.
