Gun Control Proponents Gather At Capitol As Season Nears End

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- More than a hundred Minnesotans stood on the State Capitol steps Saturday demanding gun law reform.

The shooting in Texas happened three days before the end of the 2018 legislative session, but any bill would need to be passed by Sunday at midnight.

Protestors Saturday said they do not want time to be a reason new gun control is not addressed.

Dozens showed up to call on lawmakers to pass stricter gun laws, including universal background checks for all gun sales.

There were several lawmakers that spoke, including State Rep. Dave Pinto and State Sen. Matt Klein.

"No other countries put up with this!" Pinto said. "When family members or law enforcement see dangerous red flags, they should be able to go to court and keep guns out of the situation."

There were also teachers and students there who said they live in a world where they are afraid of going to school.

"I'm tired of leading my classes through active shooter drills, strategizing where to run, hiding spots, discussing how to fight back if need be," Wayzata Public Schools teacher Joanna Prosser said.

Others were students calling for gun reform immediately.

"Bring a universal background check bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote," Austin Berger, of Students Demand Action, said.

The rally did not just address mass shootings, but also gun violence throughout Minnesota.

This includes the death of 7-year-old Keyaris Samuels from Plymouth, who accidentally shot himself and died after finding a loaded gun in his family's home.

The activists said they refused to accept time as an excuse for not passing stricter gun laws this session.

"We're watching them and this is their last chance to get it done," Protect Minnesota director Rev. Nancy Nord Bence said. "And if they don't get it done in the next two days, we will remember next fall."

After the rally activists gathered outside the senate and house chambers. The legislative session ends Monday at midnight but legally lawmakers can't pass any bills on the last day. so if they are going to pass anything on gun reform, it will have to be by midnight Sunday.