SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Tim Walz faces a political deadlock over a proposed special session on gun policy following the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting in Minneapolis.
Republicans oppose bans on assault-style firearms and high-capacity magazines, and without bipartisan support, even some Democrats question calling a session. Walz said Tuesday, “It’s clear to me that Republican legislators want to talk about everything else except guns.” He added, “I asked for a floor vote on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and just let the members vote on it. There is no appetite on the Republican side to hold a floor vote on guns.”
Legislative math complicates the issue: the tied House requires bipartisan committee support, and the Senate Democrats are one vote short of passage. Walz said GOP leaders told him “there wouldn’t be a vote on gun bans,” but House Speaker Lisa Demuth disputed that, calling it a mischaracterization.
Walz has proposed a gun package including an assault rifle ban, while Republicans focus on school security and mental health, without addressing firearm access.
“The ability to fire 116 rounds in 90 seconds into a church full of children is something,” Walz said. “The vast majority of the people of Minnesota want to see us do something on this.”
House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson emphasized the personal stakes. “Melissa Hortman was killed in an act of gun violence. For our caucus, this is a very personal issue and very important to us.” He added, “If there is not a special session, we will still need to address it.”
