In wake of shooting, Ellison calls for greater gun control laws
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison appeared on TPT's Almanac tonight to discuss the shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut. During the interview, Ellison argued for greater gun control measures.
"The NRA (National Rifle Association) is strong and many of them (members of Congress) take the position that any gun position is going to lead to the position of taking away of all guns," Ellison said. "This is not rational. We need sane, sensible gun regulation and we need it now."
Ellison says his top initiatives would be to address high capacity clips that hold multiple rounds of bullets and greater background checks that require people to submit to background checks before purchasing weapons at gun shows.
"Those are things that we can do now that won't interfere with the right to own a gun but hopefully will avoid and keep guns out of the hands out of the people who are violently unstable," Ellison said.
Ellison also says there needs to be greater access to mental health treatment. He said that would help identify early signs of mental instability which he says lead some to take violent acts.
Ellison has been the most vocal of Minnesota's Congressional delegation to today's shooting. Many others suggested that today was not the day to discuss whether stricter gun control measures are needed.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.