With the U.S. seeing a high number of mass shootings---a number approaching 250--- 2022 is turning into a deadly year in America. In St. Paul, Senate Democrats are calling on the GOP to come back for a special session and pass gun control laws.
"The usual summer rise in crime is coming. School is out this week," warned Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park). "We need action. The public didn't send us to the Capitol to stonewall. They sent us here to do our jobs. We stand ready to do our jobs. The GOP needs to come back and finish the job today."
The legislative session is over and a special session would need to be called for lawmakers to reconvene. Republicans have said any incomplete work could be done in the next session, which starts in six months (January 2023).
DFLers are proposing a package of gun control bills including background checks, red flag laws and raising the age limit, to 21, for the sale of assault weapons.
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"Since 2018, those that commit these mass murderers are more likely to be someone under 21," said Senator Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis). If the age limit is raised, Senator Dziedzic says there would be a provision allowing young people to continue hunting.
In a statement, Public Safety Chair Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), said DFL gun control proposals will not impact daily crime. He also says Senate Republicans passed a bill last month, addressing mental health concerns in schools and closing gaps in the judicial and mental health systems that allowed violent criminals to go free.
"I find it hard to take their proposals today seriously," said Limmer. "They won’t agree to these ideas that will actually protect our citizens from the threat posed by violent criminals.”
Protect MN, Executive Director, Rashmi Seneviratne joined lawmakers in St. Paul. Her organization is working to end gun violence. Teary-eyed and choking at the podium, Seneviratne said she supports the proposals put forward by DFL legislators.
"I wanna be able to tell my girls they are safe," said Seneviratne. "This is something I struggle with when I drop my children off at school. How can I promise them that? I can't, and as parents that is the hardest thing."