GIFFORDS Applauds Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for Signing Gun Violence Prevention Legislation into Law
GIFFORDS Helped Craft Gun Safety LegislationFormer Congresswoman Giffords Joined Gov. Walz in Support of Bills in St. Paul
St. Paul, MN — Today, GIFFORDS, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, applauded Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for signing key gun violence prevention bills into law. GIFFORDS worked closely with lawmakers to craft the background checks and extreme risk protection order bills that were signed into law today. Last month, Congresswoman Giffords joined Governor Walz and members of GIFFORDS Gun Owners for Safety’s Minnesota chapter in St. Paul to advocate for the bills that passed today.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“Minnesotans know the toll gun violence takes on communities and families. In 2021, more than 500 Minnesotans died from gun violence—enough is enough. Governor Walz and lawmakers across the state have taken meaningful action to save lives from gun violence. With strong leadership, we can turn tragedy into action.”
Agustin Cabrera, State Legislative Manager;
“Governor Walz has been a steadfast advocate in our fight to end gun violence. Far too many Minnesotans’ lives have been lost to this epidemic and we appreciate his demonstrated commitment to ending gun violence. We are grateful to Governor Walz for his leadership and we look forward to continue working with him to combat gun violence throughout the state.”
Jason Boren, Deputy Engagement Director of Gun Owners for Safety:
“Responsible gun owners across the state are sickened by the gun violence plaguing our communities. That’s why GIFFORDS Gun Owners for Safety in Minnesota have met with lawmakers and state leadership as well as testified in support of this commonsense gun safety legislation signed into law by Governor Tim Walz today. This legislation will undoubtedly support gun owners and their dedication to safe and responsible gun ownership while defending their constitutional rights.”
GIFFORDS conducted a poll earlier this year that found 92% of Minnesota voters support universal background checks and 67% support extreme risk protection orders. Background checks keep firearms out of the hands of those who may threaten public safety. Currently, Minnesota law has no requirements mandating that people who buy guns in unlicensed, private sales undergo a background check or present transfer permits. This legislation would close these dangerous loopholes and require background checks for all sales of handguns and assault weapons.
Extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), sometimes referred to as red flag laws, are a proactive way to prevent mass shootings and other acts of gun violence. Often perpetrators of gun violence will display four to five observable and concerning behaviors prior to their attacks. In Minnesota, however, those who observe these warning signs often have few opportunities to intervene provided to them under state law. The passage of new ERPO legislation would provide a legal mechanism through the courts for law enforcement and family members to prevent individuals who are at high risk of harming themselves or others from temporarily having access to firearms.
MEDIA REQUESTS
Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at media@giffords.org.
Contact