About 20 Minnesota Democrats Stage Sit-In Over Blocked Gun Bill Before May 18 Adjournment
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 15
About 20 Minnesota Democrats Stage Sit-In Over Blocked Gun Bill Before May 18 Adjournment
9 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 15
About 20 Minnesota House Democrats began an overnight sit-in around 9 p.m. Thursday after a procedural motion to force a vote on a gun violence prevention bill failed.
The protest followed Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura’s 24-hour ultimatum to Speaker Lisa Demuth, accusing the Republican leader of blocking floor action on a measure the Democratic-controlled Senate already passed.
The bill would ban semi-automatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, tighten safe-storage rules, ban ghost guns and expand school threat-reporting and risk-protection provisions.
Pressure for the package intensified after last August’s Annunciation Catholic church school shooting killed 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel; advocates delivered a 7,000-signature petition Thursday.
The standoff lands in a 67-67 tied House days before the legislature’s May 18 adjournment, with Gov. Tim Walz backing the measures and gun-rights groups opposing them.
With the legislature deadlocked, what happens to the 7,000-signature petition from victims' families if no vote is held?
7,000 Voices, One Bill: Minnesota’s Evenly Split House Gridlocks on Assault-Style Weapons Ban After Student Sit-In
Overview
As the Minnesota legislative session nears its end, student activists from Students Demand Action have ramped up pressure on lawmakers by delivering a petition with over 7,000 signatures and maintaining a strong presence at the Capitol. Frustrated by what they see as lawmakers’ inaction on gun violence, these students—led by survivors like Timberlyn Mazeikis—are demanding immediate action and accountability from House leadership, especially regarding the stalled SF4067 bill. Their efforts reflect a broader call from Minnesotans to reject delays and excuses, highlighting the growing urgency and public demand for legislative change before the session’s deadline.