Gov. Walz signs new executive orders to address gun violence, calls BS on those who say it won’t save lives

ST. PAUL (KVRR/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz has signed two executive orders in efforts to reduce gun violence and improve public safety across Minnesota.

Under the orders, a statewide Safety Council will be created to develop a blueprint to prevent mass violence.

The orders will also expand extreme risk protection orders and safe storage education for those with guns at home.

Walz has been trying to get an agreement in place among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle so he could call a special session on gun control.

It came after the shootings of two lawmakers and their spouses and the killing of two students at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis.

“Yes it is! Yes it is going to save lives. Just like the Extreme Risk Protection Orders which I can pull quotes from many of these folks who said ‘this will do nothing, this will not protect lives, this will take way our freedom’. It’s time to start reporting that that is all bull****. It does do something. It does make a difference. And to stand here and have to look in the eyes of parents who lost their little ones, shame on them,” said Walz before signing the executive orders.

Walz has been unable to get any GOP lawmakers to agree to a special session if gun legislation is involved.