Minneapolis Mayor Faces Scrutiny Over Gun Control Comments After School Shooting

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has faced criticism and controversy following a tragic school shooting in the city, where he emphasized the need for stricter gun control laws, including a nationwide assault weapons ban and red flag laws. During media appearances, Frey made several factual errors about firearms, notably confusing the terms 'clip' and 'magazine,' which sparked backlash from gun rights advocates who questioned his understanding of gun mechanics. Despite these missteps, Frey stressed that the prevalence of guns in America is a significant problem and called for action to prevent future shootings, highlighting the importance of protecting children and criticizing the normalization of gun violence. He also condemned those who use the shooting to vilify the transgender community, emphasizing humanity amid political and social tensions. While Frey’s calls for gun restrictions align with broader Democratic positions, critics argue that existing gun laws in Minnesota failed to prevent the attack, and some note his lack of support for armed defense measures in schools. The political fallout continues as Frey campaigns for reelection, navigating a challenging environment marked by grief, policy debate, and sharp criticism from various sides.