Minnesota is still reeling from a church shooting in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured 21 others. After the tragic event at Annunciation Catholic School on August 27, Governor Tim Walz promised to call a special session of the Legislature to tackle gun violence and improve school safety. But a month later, talks remain stuck.
The Minnesota Legislature is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, making it tough to pass any new laws without support from both sides. While many Democrats, especially from cities and suburbs, want stricter gun laws, many Republicans from rural and suburban areas oppose measures that restrict Second Amendment rights. This divide has made it difficult for lawmakers to agree on solutions.
Similar patterns can be seen in other states. After mass shootings, Democratic-led states often push for tougher gun laws. For example, Connecticut passed strong gun regulations following the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, including a ban on assault weapons. But in states led by Republicans, such efforts usually stall. After the 2022 shooting at a Texas elementary school, attempts to tighten gun laws barely moved forward. Tennessee’s governor, a Republican, failed to get a “red flag” law through his GOP-controlled legislature after a school shooting but did approve a law allowing some school staff to carry concealed handguns.
In Minnesota, the church shooting happened not long after another violent event where top Democratic leaders were shot. These attacks have made gun violence a very personal issue for Governor Walz and many Democrats. Walz wants to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines—a priority he emphasized again while launching his reelection bid.
Parents of some of the wounded children have spoken passionately to lawmakers, saying an assault weapons ban could prevent future tragedies. Malia Kimbrell, whose 9-year-old daughter survived after being shot three times, urged legislators to act, warning that more children will be hurt if nothing changes.
Despite these calls, Walz says Republican leaders have made it clear they won’t allow a vote on a gun ban. The Legislature’s current makeup—with a 67-67 split in the House and a slim Democratic majority in the Senate—means passing such measures would need Republican support. Special elections expected in November might restore the full Senate membership, but even then, bipartisan agreement would be essential.
Republican lawmakers argue that law-abiding citizens need guns to protect themselves, especially in rural areas where help can take time to arrive. They suggest focusing on practical steps like expanding mental health services instead of new gun laws. Some fear that bans on assault weapons would end up tied up in court and could be ruled unconstitutional.
Still, Democratic leaders believe the people of Minnesota want action on gun violence. Senator Ron Latz, who led recent hearings, said bipartisan support will be necessary to get anything done. With pressure mounting on both sides, it remains to be seen whether Minnesota’s divided Legislature can break the stalemate and find a way forward on this deeply emotional issue.