MN Rep. Phillips Backs Stricter Gun Laws After Texas School Shooting

MINNESOTA — U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips on Wednesday said the frequency of mass shootings in America is an “epidemic of violence” and called on lawmakers to pass stricter regulations on gun ownership after an 18-year-old gunman killed 21 people in a classroom in Texas.

The gunman shot and killed 19 students and two adults Tuesday inside a single fourth-grade classroom at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, about 85 miles west of San Antonio, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson told NBC’s “The Today Show” on Wednesday.

Police eventually broke into the classroom the gunman barricaded himself in and killed him, Lt. Chris Olivarez said.

“We dedicate over $800 billion annually, more than the next eight nations combined, on defense from foreign threats,” Phillips tweeted Wednesday morning. “I say it’s time to dedicate the same energy and intention necessary to protect our children and families from domestic threats.”

Speaking to WCCO’s Vineeta Sawkar on Wednesday, the Democratic representative criticized some of his Republican colleagues in Washington for “standing in the way of a policy that just about every American supports” by not approving the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021.

READ MORE: Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims

The Democratic-controlled U.S. House passed the bill by a 227-203 vote in March 2021.

The Republican-controlled Senate has not yet taken a vote on the bill, which would establish new background check requirements for all firearms sales and transfers in the U.S.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act would also make it illegal for private parties to transfer firearms without a background check by a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer or importer, WCCO reported.

Phillips also called for lawmakers to take guns away from domestic abusers, increase “red flag” laws — laws that allow courts to order the temporary removal of firearms from someone who could be a danger to themselves or others — and invest in young people and local violence prevention and intervention programs, according to the report.

Several hours after the mass shooting Tuesday at Robb Elementary School, Phillips posted a tweet condemning the regularity of mass murders at schools in America.

“Parents kissed their kids this morning after breakfast, wished them a good day, and they’ll never see them again. Shot to death in school. IN SCHOOL!” Phillips tweeted at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday. “Only in America does this carnage happen. Every damn month. May their memories be for a blessing and may we stop this madness.”

Less than an hour later, Phillips appeared to criticize those who believe regulations on gun ownership is unconstitutional and that teachers should be armed to stop school shootings.

“I’m a gun owner. Do not tell me our Founders conceived of this carnage when they wrote the Constitution. Do not tell me they would have tolerated this madness,” Phillips tweeted at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday. “Do not tell me that teachers must be armed. And do not tell me your AR15 is worth more than another 14 children’s lives.”

Phillips represents Minnesota’s Third Congressional District, which includes parts of Edina, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Brooklyn Park, Eden Prairie, Bloomington and Coon Rapids, among other municipalities.