St. Paul Faces Legal Threat Over Proposed Firearms Ordinance

The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus has announced plans to file a lawsuit against the city of St. Paul if it proceeds with a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating firearms within city limits. This announcement follows a call from St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, along with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other suburban leaders, urging the state to repeal a preemption law that currently prevents local regulation of firearms.

At a city council meeting scheduled for November 5, 2023, the council intends to introduce the ordinance. If approved by November 12, 2023, it will require the mayor’s signature to become part of the city code. The ordinance aims to establish local regulations designed to address gun violence, a response to public demand for increased safety measures following a tragic shooting incident in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two children.

Bryan Strawser, chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, criticized the proposed ordinance, stating, “The St. Paul City Council is trying to make a political statement with an illegal ordinance, and they know it.” He emphasized that the organization views the ordinance as an overreach that undermines the rights of lawful gun owners and is not genuinely focused on public safety.

The proposed ordinance outlines several key regulations, which include a ban on assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, and binary triggers. It also mandates that all firearms possess serial numbers and prohibits untraceable “ghost guns.” Furthermore, it seeks to restrict firearms in sensitive public areas such as parks, libraries, and city buildings, while establishing penalties for violations and authorizing local enforcement.

In response to the potential legal battle, Rob Doar, general counsel for the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, asserted that passing the ordinance would lead to immediate legal action. The letter addressed to the city officials stated, “An ordinance that is invalid today does not become valid merely because its enforcement is deferred until an unspecified future date.” The group is prepared to seek declaratory and injunctive relief on behalf of its members, arguing that the ordinance jeopardizes their rights.

Despite the threat of litigation, City Council President Rebecca Noecker expressed her commitment to the ordinance, asserting that it reflects the community’s needs for safety, particularly for children. She stated, “It’s not surprising that the Gun Owners Caucus is once again standing in the way of common sense legislation that is supported by the majority of Americans and that saves lives.”

The proposed ordinance has garnered mixed reactions from the community. Public comments submitted to the City Council include emails both supporting and opposing the legislation. Some residents have urged the council to reconsider, arguing that addressing crime requires stricter enforcement of existing laws rather than additional regulations on lawful gun owners.

Following the shooting incident on August 27, 2023, at Annunciation Catholic Church, Governor Tim Walz indicated he would convene a special legislative session to address gun policy in Minnesota. However, he later retracted this plan, citing a lack of consensus on a framework with Republican lawmakers.

The proposed ordinance underscores a growing tension between local governments seeking to enhance public safety through specific regulations and state laws that limit their authority. City Council members have expressed their determination to take action, with Councilmember Saura Jost stating, “Let this ordinance settle any question about where the people in St. Paul stand on gun violence. St. Paul will be ready when the State lets us do the work.”

As the situation unfolds, the city remains steadfast in its plans to advance the ordinance, while the Gun Owners Caucus prepares for potential legal challenges that could arise from the measure.