Call for Stricter Gun Laws Following Church Shooting in Minnesota

In the wake of a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where two children lost their lives and several others were injured, a prominent figure has publicly called for more stringent gun laws in Minnesota. The shooter unleashed 116 rounds in a matter of four minutes, reigniting the debate over firearm regulations in the United States.

This incident marks the 44th school shooting in the U.S. this year, underscoring a disturbing trend as schools resume for the new academic year. Vance K. Opperman, a gun owner and permit holder, penned an open letter to Governor Tim Walz, urging immediate legislative action to ban assault weapons and impose caps on magazine sizes.

Revisiting Gun Control Measures

Opperman referenced a column he co-wrote in 2013, titled “Armed Monsters in Minnesota,” which discussed the arrest of a man with a troubled past who was found with a significant cache of firearms. Despite improvements in state gun laws since then, including more comprehensive background checks and a new “red flag” law, the ease of acquiring assault weapons remains a critical concern.

“It’s the guns, stupid,”

Opperman asserted, referencing a report by Professor Jason Silva from the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The study revealed that while the United States comprises 33 percent of the population of industrialized countries, it accounts for 76 percent of public mass shootings. In stark contrast, countries like China and Japan, which enforce strict gun control measures, have seen only a handful of mass shooting incidents over the past two decades.

Opperman emphasized that mental health issues exist across all societies, but this does not explain the disproportionate rate of gun violence in the United States. He called for a balanced approach, advocating for mental health support while prioritizing the need for stricter firearm regulations.

Proposed Changes and Legislative Action

Governor Walz, a lifelong gun owner and hunter himself, has previously expressed support for legislative discussions regarding the banning of assault weapons. Opperman argued that such measures would not infringe on the rights of recreational hunters, pointing out that most hunters do not use assault-style rifles.

The letter highlighted a curious inconsistency: hunters are required to limit their shotgun magazine capacities to three shells when hunting migratory birds. Opperman suggested that similar restrictions on magazine sizes for assault weapons should be straightforward to implement, especially in light of the recent tragedy.

In addition to banning assault weapons and capping magazine sizes, Opperman called for adequate funding for police departments, noting that Minneapolis is currently short approximately 130 officers. He urged that discussions surrounding public safety include enhancing police resources in schools.

The open letter ends with a clear message: if legislative action does not occur soon, the cycle of violence will continue. The time for action, according to Opperman, is now—before another tragedy occurs.

As the state prepares for a special legislative session, the community watches closely, hopeful that decisive measures will be taken to protect its children and prevent future violence.