Governor Walz Condemns Legislator for Encouraging Violence, Calls for Healthy Debate on Gun Violence Prevention

Press Release

Governor Tim Walz today issued the below statement condemning comments made yesterday by Rep. Cal Bahr that encouraged violence against Minnesotans who support gun safety measures, saying they "need to be kicked to the curb and stomped on and run over a few times." Two gun violence prevention bills will be heard Wednesday in the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Division Committee.

"Encouraging violence endangers our communities and undermines our democracy, particularly when the statement is made by an elected official. While heated debates are a healthy part of the political process, this type of language is unacceptable and demands condemnation from people of all political parties. It risks inciting violence, drives people farther into ideological corners, and tears at the fabric of One Minnesota.

"There will be intense discussion about gun violence prevention this coming week. Minnesotans on all sides of the issue will be at the Capitol, including parents that worry for their children's safety at school, responsible gun owners, and people who have lost loved ones to gun violence. I urge the legislature to foster a productive conversation where everyone feels safe to make their voice heard."

At a rally at the State Capitol yesterday, Rep. Cal Bahr said to the Gun Owners Caucus, "There's a lot of us in this room that have had enough, and it's time to start riding herd on the rest of these people that want to take your rights away from you. They will not go quietly into the good night. They need to be kicked to the curb and stomped on and run over a few times."

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