Latz: Bill Promotes Shoot First, Think Later Mentality

Golden Valley Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-District 44) said a gun bill to expand Minnesotans’ right to use deadly force has no place in modern, civilized society.

Among other things, the bill would:

• No longer require someone to run away from an attacker outside the home and
• Expand the boundaries of “dwelling” so that Minnesotans would have an expanded right to use deadly force in vehicles and other places outside their home.

Opponents say it promotes a “shoot first, ask questions later” mentality, while the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association disagrees with the measure because of fears it could put officers at risk.

Proponents of the measure counter that law enforcement can’t be everywhere to protect residents and that other states have successfully implemented similar laws.

The Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, on which Latz serves, approved the measure Friday on a 8-3 party-line vote.

Editor's Note: Golden Valley Patch regularly reports on the actions and votes our local representatives and senators are taking at the State Capitol.  Our videos are provided in partnership with The UpTake.