Minneapolis City Council unanimously passes gun control ordinance

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed a gun control ordinance on Thursday, which includes a ban on assault-style weapons, large-capacity magazines, ghost guns and would restrict firearms in some public places. 

The measure's future is unclear, however, because state preemption laws prevent cities from creating their own gun ordinances.

A spokesperson for Mayor Jacob Frey says he is supportive, and the ordinance now heads to his desk. The City Council heard from the public about the measure earlier this week. 

"Weapons of war do not belong in our neighborhoods. And today, Minneapolis is saying: enough," said Council member Aurin Chowdhury, the ordinance's lead author. "This harm has touched every corner of our city – from the north side to the south side. With this action, we say to every impacted community member: we stand with you in your grief, and we will do everything in our power to end this violence."

Earlier this week, Minnesota state senators passed a gun control bill along party lines, though it's unlikely the legislation would pass the divided Minnesota House. The St. Paul City Council passed a similar ordinance last fall.

Soon after passage, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus challenged the capital city in court. Rob Doar, general counsel for the caucus, said they're still in litigation. 

As for Minneapolis, Doar said he would be watching the final language of the ordinance closely and expects to file a lawsuit. 

"We have a significant number of members who are in Minneapolis who would be affected by this ordinance, and there seems to be a disconnect about ability to enforce versus ability to pass," Doar said. "The state statute doesn't preempt enforcement; it preempts their authority to even pass this ordinance." 

Chowdhury said the city is prepared for a challenge, adding that city attorneys worked closely with council members on the policy.