Hundreds rally against gun violence; Gov. Tim Walz calls Minnesota Republicans ‘island of resistance’ in debate

The crowd in St. Paul cheered calls to action by the governor as well as U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, others.

Gov. Tim Walz branded Minnesota Republicans on Wednesday as an “island of resistance” to increased gun safety in the state.

Speaking to reporters at the State Capitol, Walz said that GOP leaders in Florida, Ohio and other states have supported versions of expanded background checks and “red flag” laws. But there have been few cracks in the GOP’s longstanding opposition to new gun restrictions in Minnesota.

“There has been one island of resistance, and that is the Minnesota Republican Senate, on having a conversation,” Walz said.

View the complete August 8 article by Liz Sawyer and Jessie Van Berkel on The Star Tribune website here.