'We Face An Epidemic': Hundreds Converge On Capitol For Controversial Gun Hearings

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hundreds of supporters and opponents of gun control packed the Minnesota State Capitol Wednesday night for a high-intensity committee hearing.

The House Public Safety Committee discussed two bills: One would require criminal background checks for anyone buying a gun, and the other would let families and police petition courts to remove guns from people who pose a threat.

Most of the evening focused on the bill concerning universal background checks. Heavy crowds remained late into the evening as they heard sometimes emotional testimony -- both for and against the proposals. Rep. Dave Pinto drafted the bill concerning universal background checks.

"Members, we face an epidemic in this country and in our state," Pinto said.

Supporters feel it would reduce the gun crime rate like other states that have passed similar laws.

"Fifty-three-percent fewer law enforcement officers are shot and killed in the line of duty, 47 percent fewer women are shot by intimate partners," said Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell.

The threat of school shootings motivated students to advocate for change.

"When most of you were in school, your first thought when you walked in a classroom is not to identify potential escape routes. Every day when I walk in my classes, that's what I do," said University of Minnesota student Austin Berger.

As crowds of people listened in statehouse halls, opponents took aim at the bill's claims.

"But the burden in this bill and the previous versions of this bill over the years doesn't fall on the criminal element," said Bryan Strawser of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. "The burden with this bill falls upon law-abiding citizens, the ones that will follow the law."

Those against felt law enforcement should better enforce current gun laws instead of creating more of them. They also argued that criminals will find a way to get a firearm regardless of what laws are in place.

"You cannot police it, you cannot legislate it, you cannot legislate your way out of human conditions. It just won't happen," said Daniel Ward of the African American Heritage Gun Club.

The hearing ended at midnight, and will continue Thursday. House Democrats have vowed that these bills will pass.