St. Paul, Minnesota — Six months after the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, Gov. Tim Walz unveiled a broad gun violence prevention package Tuesday at the State Capitol, renewing debate over firearm restrictions and school safety measures.
Walz’s proposal includes banning assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, requiring safe firearm storage, mandating reporting of lost or stolen guns, implementing firearm insurance requirements, and creating a firearm and ammunition tax. The package also backs extreme risk protection orders and gun industry accountability measures. In 2024, Minnesota recorded 61 firearm homicides, according to state officials.
The governor was joined by Democratic lawmakers, gun violence prevention advocates, and Annunciation families, including student Lydia Kaiser, who survived the shooting. “All children have the right to live free from gun violence,” she said at the Capitol.
Republicans criticized the focus on gun restrictions, arguing lawmakers should prioritize broader school safety and mental health initiatives. GOP-backed bills aimed at school infrastructure improvements and safety grants were also scheduled for committee hearings.
With the Minnesota House evenly divided, any gun legislation will require bipartisan support. Some Senate Democrats have previously expressed hesitation about certain firearm restrictions.
Walz said he believes there is a legislative “window” this session to advance reforms.
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