Democrats Occupy Minnesota Legislature After Gun Control Bill Rejected

Protest over gun control in Minnesota

Minnesota blocks gun bill

Democrats occupy state legislature

Political tensions in Minnesota escalated this week after a group of Democratic lawmakers began a sit-in inside the state Capitol.

The protest started after lawmakers refused to bring a gun violence bill to a vote.

Gun control debate sparks political protest in Minnesota

Minnesota House Democrats are protesting, holding a sit-in inside the chambers. They’re pushing for a vote on gun safety measures demanding Speaker Lisa Demuth bring the bill to the floor for a vote. Demuth says she’s not blocking the bill, that they stalled in committees. @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/e6UozxY7nF

— Chenue Her (@ChenueHer) May 15, 2026

The legislation included several gun control measures.

Among them was a proposed ban on assault-style rifles, according to EFE.

For now, the protest is expected to continue at least through Saturday, according to local media reports.

Protest began after legislative blockade of gun violence protection bill

Minnesota Democratic lawmakers begin sit-in over gun violence protection bill – The Guardian https://t.co/RGIZTnyZw3

— O (@O19928734) May 15, 2026

Democratic lawmakers launched the sit-in after a motion failed in the state House of Representatives.

The proposal sought to move forward a bill that had already been approved by the Minnesota Senate.

However, the measure failed to advance.

The rejection triggered an immediate reaction from legislators who argue that stronger firearm restrictions are urgently needed.

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The protest is taking place inside the state legislature as a sign of opposition to the legislative decision.

The gun violence bill was promoted following several violent incidents in Minnesota.

One of the main catalysts was the shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis last August.

That attack left two children dead and 21 other people injured.

The incident reignited debate over gun violence and the need for new firearm restrictions in the state.

Murder of Melissa Hortman increased political pressure

Another event that intensified pressure to advance the legislation was the killing of politician Melissa Hortman and her husband.

Both were shot inside their home in June 2025.

The crime once again pushed gun policy into the center of Minnesota’s political debate.

Supporters of the legislation argue that limiting access to certain types of firearms could help reduce violent incidents.

The debate is unfolding amid a broader national conversation surrounding gun control in the United States.

Between 40,000 and 45,000 people die annually in the United States from firearm-related injuries.

That figure includes homicides, suicides, accidents, and legal intervention shootings.

The data comes from the Pew Research Center.

The average equals approximately 120 firearm-related deaths every day nationwide.

Second Amendment continues shaping the gun control debate

The gun control debate in the United States continues facing major political and legal obstacles.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to bear arms.

In addition, interpretations by the Supreme Court of the United States have strengthened those legal protections.

That reality limits the passage of stricter firearm laws in many states.

It also makes it more difficult for proposals such as Minnesota’s to advance quickly.

Pressure from pro-gun organizations continues carrying significant political influence throughout the country.

This is compounded by a deeply rooted culture of self-defense among many Americans.

That broader context has caused multiple efforts aimed at significantly reducing firearm sales to fail to secure enough votes.

This week’s legislative blockade once again reflects the deep divisions surrounding gun policy in the United States.

While Democrats continue demanding stricter restrictions, opposing groups maintain their defense of firearm ownership as a constitutional right.