Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has intensified his campaign for a statewide and federal ban on assault weapons following the tragic August 2025 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, where two children were killed and 18 others injured. Speaking at a press conference with Twin Cities mayors and gun control advocates, Frey demanded a ban on semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines, calling them “weapons of war.” He also urged state lawmakers to lift Minnesota’s preemption laws, which bar cities from enacting local firearm restrictions, to allow Minneapolis to implement its own bans if broader efforts fail.
Frey’s rhetoric has stirred controversy, with some critics claiming he supports door-to-door gun seizures, though no official policy explicitly confirms this. His statement that Minneapolis must prevent future shootings “by any means necessary” has fueled speculation about aggressive enforcement tactics. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus slammed the idea as unconstitutional, warning of legal battles, while supporters argue that drastic measures are needed given the 116 rounds fired in the Annunciation attack.
Minnesota’s divided legislature, with an evenly split House, makes a statewide ban unlikely, and Frey’s push to bypass preemption laws faces stiff opposition from Republicans. Community reactions are polarized: some residents demand action, while others fear Second Amendment violations. The debate highlights the tension between public safety and gun rights as Frey navigates a fraught political landscape.
