Rev. Tim Christopher reacts to Minnesota new gun rules proposal

Rev. Tim Christopher opposes the implementation of new gun safety bills in Minnesota. Image: Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Facebook page

Gun control advocates gathered on Thursday at the Minnesota Capitol to call on legislators to take steps to reduce gun violence. Advocates for gun rights have stated that they will resist the DFL-backed measure.

Rev. Tim Christopher of north Minneapolis, a Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus member, voiced his opposition to the new proposed laws earlier this month. He thinks the bills won't work effectively, according to an MPR News report.

New Bills Will Only Add Burden to Citizens

Reverend Christopher is one of many residents who oppose the proposed gun control laws. He thinks Minnesota has a problem with gun violence because prosecutors don't enforce existing laws. But, according to him, it won't succeed if the police agency doesn't undergo any adjustments.

According to Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus vice president and political director Rob Doar, the legislation creates more barriers for law-abiding residents. Democrats, he claimed, are only working to deter people from legally owning firearms rather than proposing answers to the problem of gun violence.

Democratic Rep. Dave Pinto disagrees, claiming that addressing gun violence is difficult. He thinks Minnesota will enact the new gun recommendations this year. He also believes that this year will see certain gun control laws passed, the news outlet said.

Looming New Gun Rules

Democrats have supported the two main gun safety bills proposal, while Republicans have consistently opposed their introduction. Democrats hope their new control of both chambers will help them pass measures as bills advance in the Minnesota Legislature.

The expanded background checks under the new gun legislation would also apply to other transfers and sales of firearms. Also, this bill will allow law enforcement to take guns away from people who are in crisis.

Gov. Tim Walz and police and mental health organizations support both proposals.

The lead author of the red flag legislation, Democratic Rep. Cedrick Frazier and an attorney from New Hope, said the law is a powerful and valuable weapon in the states that are putting it into effect. However, Republicans in Congress, the National Rifle Association, and the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus are trying to oppose them.

A Heated Discussion

Minnesota Gun Owners' Lobby Day returned to the state Capitol on Jan. 26 and had a heated discussion about the proposed gun laws. Democrats pled to pass new legislation, including the two new gun laws, in response to recent gun violence in California and Minnesota.

Further gun regulation is opposed by those who call it "extreme and unconstitutional" and claim it won't solve the state's current gun violence issue.

One of the bill's supporters, Gov. Tim Walz, claimed it would finally address the problem of sensible gun laws. He contended that serious background checks are conducted, and red flag rules will provide families security access.

According to the Gun Owners Caucus website, Minnesota's Gun Owners' Lobby Day is a gathering where people can express their opinions on proposed gun control measures.

The event organizers urge gun owners to attend since elected officials (particularly those in favor of gun control legislation) need to hear the voice of the people.

The website said Minnesota's active citizen legislature encourages participation from people of all political persuasions.