State lawmakers want gun-shaped phone holders banned
Two Minnesota legislators are proposing a statewide ban of cell phone holders that are designed to look like handguns.
Reps. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, and Dan Schoen, DFL-St. Paul Park, announced today that they will introduce legislation next year to prohibit the manufacture, sale and possession of gun-shaped cell phone cases. They’re concerned the cases look too much like actual guns.
“Phone cases that look like guns are dumb, dangerous and a disaster waiting to happen,” Atkins said during a new conference.
Law enforcement officials have raised similar concerns.
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.
Schoen, who works as a police officer in Cottage Grove, said the cases are “absolutely ridiculous” and should not be carried around in public.
“Our job in law enforcement, and law all law enforcement officers across the country, is difficult enough,” Schoen said. “When you look at it in the dark of night and you see this in the center console and someone reaching for it, this is going to be disastrous consequences.”
With the next legislative session still eight months away, the lawmakers are asking retailers to voluntarily stop selling the cases now.
Atkins sent letters to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Retailers Association seeking assistance with the request.