“Not only are these locations often targets of violence, but the mere presence of firearms (and the implicit threat they communicate) could chill individuals’ peaceful exercise of their speech rights.”
A number of Democratic attorneys general, including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, have previously supported a legal challenge defending restrictions on carrying firearms at political events, including protests. The resurfacing of this comes amid debate over a weekend shooting in Minneapolis, where an armed agitator was shot and killed by federal agents.
In 2023, a lawsuit was filed to challenge a California gun law passed that year that allowed concealed carry permits but declared a wide range of locations as “sensitive places” where guns are banned, including certain public events. In an amici curiae in support of California’s law signed onto by attorneys general from Democrat states, including Illinois, Maryland, Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York, they defended the law, noting that “sensitive places” can include events involving political speech, such as rallies and protests. Minnesota’s Ellison was among the supporters.
“The same reasoning applies to areas like parks, libraries, and recreation centers in which individuals may engage in speech and political activity,” the brief said. “Not only are these locations often targets of violence, but the mere presence of firearms (and the implicit threat they communicate) could chill individuals’ peaceful exercise of their speech rights.”
A debate has ignited this weekend after the Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal agents after reportedly approaching them while armed. DHS said it will lead the federal investigation, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the state would conduct its own review. Border Patrol head Greg Bovino said that Pretti "approached US Border Patrol agents with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun" and was found with "two loaded magazines and no accessible ID."
In the aftermath of the shooting, many left-wing commentators and lawmakers argued that Pretti’s possession of a firearm fell under Second Amendment rights, while conservatives criticized the position as hypocritical, noting Democrats’ long-standing support for gun control measures. California Governor Gavin Newsom, for example, faced backlash, considering his state supported the earlier-mentioned 2023 ban, and yet he posted on X after the shooting, “The Trump administration does not believe in the 2nd Amendment. Good to know.”
https://twitter.com/greg_price11/status/2015492933273731165?s=20
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
