ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement following the Minnesota House vote on HF 13 where lawmakers rejected legislation to erode provisions of Minnesota’s existing self defense law. The legislation attempted to roll back current safety protections in Minnesota and promote individuals using force – even deadly force – in certain situations, even when they can safely walk away.
“In recent years, Minnesota has advanced life-saving legislation that has put the safety of our people front and center — HF 13 would’ve been a departure from the values that make our state great,” said Susie Kaufman, a volunteer leader with the Minnesota chapter of Moms Demand Action. “As other states have moved to make their gun laws weaker and promote a culture of violence thanks to shoot first laws, Minnesota today has rejected this culture of violence and renewed its commitment to the safety of our communities. We thank our lawmakers for defeating this reckless bill and we look forward to continuing working together on behalf of all Minnesota families.”
Research shows Shoot First laws are linked to an increase in homicide rates and that these laws resulted in 700 additional homicides every year. States with weak gun laws, especially those with Shoot First laws on the books, have higher rates of gun deaths. In Shoot First or Stand Your Ground states, homicides in which white shooters kill Black victims are deemed justifiable five times more frequently than when the situation is reversed.
Minnesota has had recent success in passing gun safety policies, including passing laws requiring background checks for all gun sales, an Extreme Risk law, and laws blocking access for domestic abusers under restraining orders. In an average year, 527 people die by guns in Minnesota. Gun violence costs Minnesota $6.6 billion each year, of which $105.5 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Minnesota is available here.