Minnesota Governor Walz and Gabby Giffords Lead Gun Violence Prevention Town Hall

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a survivor of a 2011 assassination attempt, co-hosted a gun violence prevention town hall in Waconia, focusing on bipartisan efforts to address rising gun violence. Giffords emphasized unity across political lines, urging all Americans to remain vigilant and responsible in combating gun violence. Governor Walz proposed putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot and highlighted the need for removing "weapons of war" from streets, alongside improving mental health and school safety. The event came after failed negotiations with Republican legislators for a special session on gun control, prompting Walz to hold town halls to foster public dialogue on the issue. While Republicans criticized the town hall as partisan and not fully open to all perspectives, the DFL maintained these events welcome input from all residents, with plans for additional sessions. The collaboration between Walz and Giffords aims to create momentum for legislative action amid Minnesota's closely divided legislature and ongoing public concern over gun violence.