Urgent Rally at MN Capitol Demands Assault Weapons Ban Now
UPDATE: Hundreds gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol earlier today, demanding immediate action to ban assault weapons in response to last week’s tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, where two children lost their lives and 18 others were injured. The rally, organized by groups including Students Demand Action and Minnesota Youth, is calling on Gov. Tim Walz to convene a special legislative session to address gun violence.
“This is a matter of public safety. No one should be scared to go to school out of fear of being shot,” said Timberlyn Mazeikis, a shooting survivor and volunteer leader with Students Demand Action at the University of Minnesota. She emphasized that Minnesota lawmakers must prioritize safety over the interests of the gun lobby.
Just last week, Gov. Walz announced plans to bring lawmakers back to the Capitol to discuss potential gun control measures following the devastating shooting in Minneapolis. Alongside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Attorney General Keith Ellison, Walz is advocating for policies including a ban on semiautomatic rifles and limits on magazine capacities.
The rally highlighted the alarming statistics regarding mass shootings, with a spokesperson from Minnesota Youth stating, “At least nine out of the ten mass shooting incidents with the most casualties since 2015 involved firearms equipped with high-capacity magazines.” The high-powered rifle used in the recent shootings was confirmed to be a semiautomatic weapon, with Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealing that it fired a staggering 116 rounds in under four minutes.
The urgent call to action comes amid a national debate over gun control, with many advocates insisting that state-level bans on assault weapons have proven effective in reducing the occurrence of active shooter events. “When the U.S. had a federal assault weapons ban, it worked,” the spokesperson added.
However, not all lawmakers are on board. Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson criticized the special session proposal as a “partisan stunt,” asserting that Republicans are focused on addressing root causes of violence rather than enacting new gun control legislation.
The coalition at the rally included various gun prevention organizations, such as Moms Demand Action and Protect Minnesota, showcasing a united front in the fight against gun violence.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on Gov. Walz and state lawmakers to see if they will respond to the growing public demand for stricter gun control measures. The urgency for action is palpable as communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of gun violence.
Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue as Minnesota residents advocate for a safer future.
