ST. PAUL, Minnesota — The Minnesota Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee voted Friday to advance legislation banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, moving the proposal to the Senate Finance Committee despite strong Republican opposition.
The bill, authored by Sen. Zaynab Mohamed (DFL–Minneapolis), passed the committee in a 6–3 vote as lawmakers debated a series of gun violence prevention proposals. The push follows the August 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where two children — including 10-year-old Harper Moyski — were killed and 28 others were injured.
Family members of victims testified in support of the legislation. Mike Moyski, Harper’s father, told lawmakers he plans to continue advocating for stricter gun laws. “This is the long game, and we’re here for it,” he said.
Republican lawmakers strongly criticized the proposal. Sen. Michael Holmstrom (R–Buffalo) argued the bill would prohibit many commonly owned rifles and warned that the Second Amendment exists to protect citizens against government overreach.
Some Democrats acknowledged concerns about the scope of the measure. Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL–Afton), who previously opposed an assault weapons ban, voted in favor but said the issue has been “needlessly politicized by both parties.”
While Democrats hold a narrow majority in the Senate, the bill faces uncertain prospects in the Minnesota House, where lawmakers are split evenly between Republicans and Democrats.
Polling from Lumaris indicates about 79% of suburban Minnesota residents support banning assault-style weapons, highlighting a sharp divide between public opinion and legislative gridlock.
Sources
• Grand Forks Herald – MBFC Rating
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