Minneapolis passes assault-weapon ban — but state law will block it
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Minneapolis is the latest Minnesota city to take a symbolic move towards gun violence prevention.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday unanimously passed a ban on assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, binary triggers and ghost guns that would go into effect if state law ever changes.
Minnesota is among 42 states that have preemption laws preventing local governments from regulating firearms, according to Everytown. Though state lawmakers introduced a bill to repeal the law this session, it failed to advance out of committee. Advocates anticipate the bill will be discussed again next year.
Ghost guns are guns that don't have a serial number, making them harder for law enforcement to trace. The city defined large-capacity magazines as those containing more than 10 rounds and an assault weapon as a “semiautomatic military-style assault weapon” as defined in state statute.
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If state law were to change, the ordinance would also require safe storage of firearms and prohibit carrying firearms in “sensitive places,” which includes Minneapolis-owned schools and government buildings.
Cities pressure state leaders to take action
St. Paul passed a similar ordinance last fall, with leaders from more than a dozen cities pledging to do the same following the Aug. 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School. A shooter had fired 116 rifle rounds in about two minutes into the church during Mass, killing two children and injuring 28 other people.
That took place just a day after another mass shooting outside Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis that left one person dead and six injured.
With the vote, Minneapolis council members leaders urged state lawmakers to take action as efforts to restrict firearms stall on the state level.
“This is not a partisan issue. It's a moral one and Minnesota is watching,” Minneapolis council member Aurin Chowdhury said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
The Minnesota Senate on Monday approved firearm restrictions and school safety funding on a 34-33 party-line vote, but the state House, divided 67-67, has yet to advance companion bills. Less than two weeks remain of this legislative session.
Representatives from the Annunciation Light Alliance and other gun violence prevention advocates also spoke at the press conference.
“In a perfect world, there would be a federal approach to this national issue. Failing that, it would be nice if our state legislature would pass laws to keep our kids safe, but if they can't or won't, the very least they can do is give cities the ability to reduce gun violence,” said Leah Kondes, Minneapolis lead of Moms Demand Action.
Mayor ‘proud’ of ordinance
The ordinance passed with no discussion, but on Tuesday Annunciation parents and community members had cheered it on.
“It is a wonderful feeling to know that our city is on our side and that they are not going to sit idly by while children in all parts of Minneapolis die senselessly,” said Tess Rada, whose 3rd-grade daughter was present during the Annunciation shooting, speaking at the Thursday press conference.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shared his support for the city ordinance.
“I believe every person in Minneapolis deserves to feel safe in their home, their neighborhood, and their community. That’s why I’m proud to work alongside the Minneapolis City Council to advance common-sense gun reforms that help prevent violence, protect families, and make our city safer for everyone,” Frey said in an emailed statement. Next, Frey needs to sign the bill.
The city said it does have authority to enact certain parts of the ordinance, including banning people from owning any weapons if they're already banned from owning guns under state or federal law, and limiting where people can shoot guns.
Gun Owners Caucus threatens to sue
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said it intends to “evaluate every available legal option to challenge” the ordinance including suing.
“The City of Minneapolis is attempting to make a political statement with an ordinance it has no legal authority to enact. Minnesota law clearly preempts the entire field of firearms regulation, and local governments cannot simply ignore state statute because they dislike the policy outcome,” chair Bryan Strawser said in a statement.
In addition to being challenged at the state level, the ordinance could face federal scrutiny. Tuesday, the Trump administration sued Denver over its assault weapons ban which has been in place since 1989, alleging the ban violates the Constitution’s Second Amendment right to bear arms.
