Dear Neighbors,  

The gun violence epidemic in America and our state has been taking a devastating toll on our communities and children. From parents to pediatric surgeons to first responders, everyone who has had direct experience saving a life or losing a loved one to senseless gun violence has stated time and time again, "Enough is enough." 

Our nation is at a pivotal moment, and we cannot sit idly by while bad actors continue to use divisive rhetoric that will inevitably lead to more harm and violence. Even when my Senate colleagues held a committee hearing on gun violence prevention, Republicans were unwilling to take the necessary steps toward finding a consensus on common-sense legislation to prevent future gun-related tragedies in our communities. For two days, they heard families of victims from the Annunciation tragedy, first responders, and medical professionals share their heart-wrenching testimonies. Instead of heeding their calls for action, the GOP delayed, made excuses, and wanted to change the subject. But every day of delay means more lives lost. Nationally, more than 120 Americans die by gun violence every single day—that's one funeral every 12 minutes. Delay isn't neutral; delay is deadly. 

Instead of joining us in this work, Republicans are already rejecting solutions and hiding behind excuses for not taking action. This shouldn’t be surprising as they have consistently opposed any meaningful changes to keep people safe. Whether criminal background checks, red flag laws, requirements to report lost and stolen guns, safe storage standards, or community violence intervention funding, Republicans have again and again stood in the way of common-sense solutions to keep Minnesotans safe. 

You may have heard the news about Governor Walz potentially calling a special session of the Legislature to address gun violence. In Minnesota, while the Governor has the power to call a special session, it is the Legislature that sets the agenda and timeframe. DFL legislative leaders and Governor Walz publicly announced our offer for a special session to address gun violence that included proposals and priorities from both parties—the intent was to be collaborative, not partisan. Despite the good-faith offer, the GOP continues to evade the call to action from Minnesotans. We’re listening to Minnesotans, and we’re ready to do what they are clearly asking for. Republicans need to decide if they’re going to choose people or weapons of war. 

Due to our narrow divide in the Minnesota Legislature, any solution will take bipartisan buy-in from both chambers. There are 100 Republicans in the Minnesota legislature. Here in the House, we just need ONE of them to pass our gun violence prevention legislation.  

I encourage you to reach out to GOP leadership Lisa Demuth and Harry Niska and ask them if they have the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and stand alongside their fellow Minnesotans so we can protect our communities from gun violence? 

In the meantime, DFLers want to hear from you and stories from those who’ve been impacted by gun violence. Share your story by scanning the QR code below or click this link.

Red Flag Laws 

As the House bill author of the Red Flag Law (Extreme Risk Protection Orders), I'm proud of the life-saving outcomes we've achieved in Minnesota. Working with my DFL colleagues, we passed not just this law, but also universal background checks and made historic investments in community-based violence prevention. These wins demonstrate that when legislators prioritize public safety and trust the leaders in our neighborhoods, we can effectively interrupt the cycle of violence.  

I want to ensure you and your loved ones know what an ERPO is and how they work. Here is some information I want to share:  

What is an ERPO? 

• An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) is a court order that temporarily says the respondent (the person against whom the legal action is taken) cannot have or buy firearms. ERPOs are a tool to help prevent firearm violence, including mass shootings, suicides, and firearm assaults. They temporarily limit someone's access to firearms when the person is at risk of harm to themselves or to others. An ERPO may be short term (14 days) or long term (up to a year).

Who can apply for an ERPO? 

Family members, guardians, or a household member. 

• Household member is defined as person presently residing with the respondent, or a person involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship with the respondent.  

     • Law enforcement department  

If you do not meet the criteria above to self-apply for an ERPO reach out to your local law enforcement for assistance. 

Apply for ERPO 

• For assistance in Hennepin County, contact DASC (612)-348-5073 or [email protected]  

Petitioner must file in the county where the respondent resides. 

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office now houses a specialist who can discuss and support family or household members who have concerns that a loved one is a significant risk to themselves or others with a firearm. If you have concerns about loved one and firearms, please reach out to DASC at 612-348-5073 and ask to speak to an Extreme Risk Protection Order Specialist!