Nine Twin Cities Mayors Urge State to Allow Local Assault Weapons Bans

Nine mayors from Minnesota, including those of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Bloomington, are calling on the state legislature to either enact a statewide ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines or repeal the 1985 state law that prevents municipalities from setting their own gun regulations. This push follows a deadly shooting at Annunciation Church, where an AR-style rifle was used to fire 116 rounds rapidly, highlighting concerns about the ease of mass shootings with assault weapons. The mayors argue that cities have historically led on public safety issues and should be allowed to tailor gun laws to local needs, especially given the divided state legislature and uncertain prospects for statewide gun control. Governor Tim Walz is considering a special session to address gun legislation, but bipartisan support is uncertain due to the evenly split legislature. The mayors emphasize that weapons of war should not be accessible to the public and that local control is critical to protect communities. The ongoing debate reflects the tension between state preemption laws and local efforts to enhance public safety amid rising gun violence.