Minnesota Gov. Walz Plans Special Session on Gun Reforms After Church Shooting

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is planning to call a special session to address gun reform following a mass shooting at Annunciation Church that killed two children and injured 21 others. Walz aims to push for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, a safe storage law, and stronger red flag laws, but he faces challenges in a divided legislature where bipartisan support is necessary. Republicans have proposed alternative measures focusing on mental health funding, school safety, and expanding doctors' authority to deny gender-affirming care, seeking common ground on public safety. Despite uncertainty about the timing and the likelihood of passing stricter gun control laws, Walz and Democratic leaders emphasize the urgency and the need for a public vote to hold lawmakers accountable. Advocacy groups like Moms Demand Action have increased pressure on lawmakers, criticizing the lack of commitments, while the Minnesota Medical Association highlights the lethality of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The special session date is expected after September 16, following an upcoming election that could affect legislative balance.