ATTORNEY GENERAL KEITH ELLISON STATEMENT ON ROBB ELEMENTARY SHOOTING
MINNESOTA – Attorney General Keith Ellison released the following statement following the shooting in Uvalde, Texas at Robb Elementary School:
“My heart breaks for the families of Robb Elementary. No parent or society should ever have to endure this. No child or teacher should have to fear their classroom. Until we end the toxic unlimited availability of guns, we won’t have real safety in our schools or our communities. We don’t have to accept this. Everyone has a right to be safe and we know what we need to do to make it so. What we have lacked is the political will to do it. The situation is intolerable and everyone must demand we do better. A better world is within our reach—but only if we act.”
States have the right to make laws that reduce gun violence. Attorney General Keith Ellison has long been a vocal leader on gun safety reform. He is working with local community leaders here in Minnesota to develop and implement efforts to reduce gun violence on our streets. Attorney General Keith Ellison is leading to fight gun violence by:
Limiting the Sale of Automatic, Semi-Automatic, and Magazines - In January 2021, AG Ellison joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in supporting California’s gun law, which regulates the sale of long arms and semi-automatic rifles to individuals under the age of 21.
Supporting Child and Teen Gun Safety - In March 2021, Attorney General Ellison joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Mitchell v. Atkins in support of implementing firearm regulations, such as age-based sales restrictions and background checks to reduce the prevalence of gun violence. Mitchell v. Atkins is held in abeyance pending the case of Jones v. Becerra.
In September 2021, Attorney General Ellison joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Hirschfeld v. Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, in defense of federal statutes and regulations that prevent underage individuals (e.g., 18-to-20-year-olds) from purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers.
In October 2021, Attorney General Ellison joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in National Rifle Association v. Commissioner, Florida Department of Law Enforcement in support of Florida’s common-sense law limiting the sale of firearms to individuals over the age of 21.
Limiting Guns in Public Spaces, Including Through Concealed Carry - Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, defending New York’s law regulating when individuals may obtain a license to carry firearms in public. Attorney General Ellison and the coalition argued that the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution “does not provide Americans with an unrestricted right to carry loaded firearms in virtually all public places,” but instead, allows states to enact policies regulating public carry that are tailored to local public safety concerns and needs.
In September 2021, Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Lara v. Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police to defend Pennsylvania’s gun law, which limits the issuance of concealed-carry licenses to people ages 21 and up. The coalition argued that states have the right to enact reasonable, age-based firearm regulations that protect public safety and reduce the prevalence of gun violence.
Regulation of Ghost Gun Kits Under Firearm Requirements - In February 2021, AG Ellison joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting former Former New Jersey Attorney General in the case of Grewal v. Defense Distributed. This is a lawsuit that seeks to prevent states from enforcing their laws against Defense Distributed, a company that disseminates and publishes downloadable files and instructions on dangerous 3D-printed guns (“ghost guns”) on the internet.
In August 2021, AG Ellison joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in sending a letter asking the U.S. Department of Justice to finalize federal regulations in defining ghost guns as “firearms” under the federal law, to help address the gun violence epidemic and improve public safety.
False Advertising By Firearm Manufacturers and Distributors - In February 2022, AG Ellison joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. et al., supporting Mexico’s lawsuit against a firearm manufacturer and distributor for intentionally marketing their products in a way to facilitate illegal trafficking of weapons.
About Keith Ellison for Attorney General
Attorney General Keith Ellison is running for reelection to keep helping Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect. To learn more about the campaign and get involved, visit KeithEllison.org.
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