In St. Paul, our city leaders just did something bold: they voted to ban the public possession of assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines, and ghost guns in our community. But here’s the problem — under current Minnesota law, they can’t actually enforce it.

Why? Because state preemption laws block cities from passing or enforcing their own gun safety measures. That means even if a city like St. Paul wants to take action to prevent gun violence, especially after tragedies like the Annunciation Church shooting in Minneapolis, its hands are tied until state lawmakers give the green light.

It’s time for that to change.

We, the undersigned, call on the Minnesota Legislature to repeal the state’s outdated preemption law and restore local control over gun regulations. St. Paul — and every Minnesota city — should have the right to protect its residents with common-sense measures tailored to local needs.

The ordinance passed in St. Paul reflects the will of its people and the urgency of the moment. Gun violence is not theoretical — it’s happening here, and communities want the tools to respond.

The Legislature must act. Lift the ban on local gun safety laws and let St. Paul’s ordinance become more than symbolic. Let it save lives.

Sign if you believe cities deserve the right to protect their people from gun violence — starting with the right to enforce their own assault weapon bans.