Data shows spike in guns found at Minnesota schools
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios
Minnesota school officials have discovered nearly 200 firearms on their campuses since the fall of 2021, per a new Star Tribune analysis of state Department of Education data.
- That's roughly three times the number of guns found at schools between 2017 and 2020.
The big picture: The report comes as state lawmakers tangle over proposals to reduce gun violence in the wake of August's deadly attack at Annunciation school and church.
- Some Democrats, including Gov. Tim Walz, are pushing for a ban on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as other new gun laws.
- Republican lawmakers proposed a package focused on funding for school security and mental health.
Zoom in: About 75% of the firearms identified in the Star Tribune's analysis were handguns.
By the numbers: The data suggests gun incidents remain rare in Minnesota schools.
- The state is home to more than 800,000 public school students, and just 2% of the disciplinary incidents since 2000 analyzed by the newspaper involved weapons.
Between the lines: Some schools, including Oakdale's Tartan High School, are trying out new weapon detection systems, the paper notes, while other leaders say they're focused on threat response and providing more support for students seen as at risk of violence.
What we're watching: Walz is expected to soon start holding town hall-style events on gun proposals amid an impasse at the divided Legislature.
- Without a special session, which only Walz has the power to call, any legislative action on the issue will be on hold until next year.