Governor Tim Walz Announces New Funding for Gun Violence Prevention and Secure Storage Efforts – Minnesota Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Applaud

The Minnesota chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a new multi-million dollar investment in gun violence violence prevention efforts across the state. The funding, allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act, is intended to be used to create a statewide education campaign about the importance of secure firearm storage and gun safety, and will include free cable locks to be distributed by the Department of Public Safety at community events across the state. 

“Funding and implementing secure storage education programs will save lives and are critical steps toward preventing gun violence,” said Molly Leutz, a volunteer with the Minnesota chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Countless people in Minnesota and across the country have joined together to call for action in the wake of daily gun violence and the tragedies in Uvalde and Buffalo – and we’re proud that Governor Walz is listening to those calls for change.”

In the wake of multiple tragedies, including the recent shootings in Uvalde, Buffalo, and daily gun violence across the country, Everytown for Gun Safety released recommendations for executive actions that governors can take to address gun violence in their states. The recommended actions encourage state leaders to launch public education campaigns to educate gun owners on the dangers of unsecured firearms in the home and in vehicles, how to store guns securely and, if applicable, the legal obligations of gun owners in their state. 

In an average year, 462 people die and 680 people are wounded by guns in Minnesota. Gun violence costs Minnesota $2.9 billion each year, of which $83.3 million is paid by taxpayers. Firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Minnesota. Learn more about gun violence in Minnesota here.