Protect Minnesota representatives | Facebook
Protect Minnesota representatives | Facebook
State House representatives approved legislation Feb. 27 that expands criminal background checks and created red flag laws on gun purchases.
The contentious bills, now headed to the State Senate, advanced with support from Democrats, despite some party members and all Republicans voting “no.”
“Minnesotans have had enough of the heartbreaking tragedies caused by senseless gun violence and it’s time for action,” Rep. Jack Considine said, according to KVRR. “We should do whatever we can to ensure that people who are dangerous can’t obtain firearms. Community members who have vocally advocated for responsible gun laws aren’t giving up, and neither am I.”
As lawmakers were debating the bills, gun control supporters held a rally outside the House, according to news outlet KVRR.
“We recognize this is an epidemic. We want them to face the issue and do something about it," Kate Havelin of Protect Minnesota told KVRR.
Protect Minnesota advocates for preventive gun policies, according to its website.
Assistant House Minority Leader Peggy Bennett said the gun-control bills fail to meet their purpose.
“I would support these bills if they would actually work, but as I read them, it became very clear that they will not serve their intended purpose and will only inhibit the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners,” Bennett said in a Feb. 28 statement. “Instead of universal, one-size-fits-all laws that will do nothing to improve our safety, we should be focusing our legislation on finer-tuned proven strategies like mental health support for suicide-prone groups or gang mentor programs that have actually reduced violence in communities.”
Rep. Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) made similar statements during the debate, according to KVRR.
“They’re criminals,” Daudt said. “They’re not following the laws right now and they’re not going to follow them if you pass this. What this is going to do is infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens.”
The House approval came a day after five people were killed in a mass shooting at the Molson Coors Brewing Co. facility in Milwaukee on Feb. 26.
According to reports, the alleged gunman, Anthony Ferrill, killed five male employees before turning his gun on himself. A motive remains unknown.
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