Governor Walz's Executive Orders on Gun Control Raise Concerns Among Minnesota Gun Owners

The weekend of December 13^th-15^th was a horrific one for the world.  With several mass shootings happening in Australia and Rhode Island.  Unfortunately, this coupled with the fact that Minnesota’s executive branch is held by the Democratic Farmers Labor Party (DFL), means that gun control is on the horizon. 

Governor Tim Walz (DFL) ran on the prospect of gun control when he was Kamala Harris’s Vice-Presidential pick in 2024.   Governor Walz earlier this year had attempted to call a special election to pass sweeping gun control packages in the wake of shootings here in Minnesota this summer.  Due to a 50-50 split in the Minnesota State House and a few centrist DFL Senators from the iron ranges that did not happen.

However, Governor Walz exploded on gun owners in a press conference lamenting the fact that gun control had not been passed.  This comes in wake of massive scandals rocking the Governor’s Office in a fraud scheme that is over $1 Billion.  Governor Walz signed on Tuesday December 16^th two executive orders that he claims are aimed at reducing “gun violence”.

These orders do two things.  First, establish a Gun Violence Committee to study causes and propose solutions.  This will be taxpayer funded presumably and hold no real authority in the state, nor be binding in policy solutions.  In 2015 the Minnesota Gun Owner’s Caucus helped amend state law preventing the Governor of the state from unilaterally changing firearm policy.  Everything must pass through the legislative branch.  This certainly will be on the ballot here in Minnesota in 2026.

The second Executive Order directs all state and local agencies to make “gun violence” a priority.  We here at 2 If By Sea Tactical hope and pray that these agencies are making violent crime a priority no matter what means are being used.  We have a serious violence problem in Minnesota’s major cities that needs to be addressed. When it comes to the outcomes of these Executive Orders, there is little to no impact on the gun community. 

There certainly is zero impact on the criminal element in our state.  Neither of these orders changed what can be bought, sold, transferred, or otherwise manufactured in Minnesota.  It does, however, signal what will be the big battle in 2026.  Make no mistake our right to “keep and Bear Arms” is on the ballot in Minnesota.  Infringements will certainly come if there is trifecta control for the DFL in 2027.

Governor Walz made this clear in his remarks after signing the order.  In a fiery speech he stated, "I don't want to hear how do you define assault weapon. I damn sure can assign what it is and describe what it is and tell you what it does."  While he gave no actual definition, as there is actually no definition, of what those types of guns are.  Presumably he is talking about the AR-15 and AK-47 style Modern Sporting Rifles that we see on the market. 

The only difference between these and say the Ruger Mini-14 are purely cosmetic.  The Mini-14 rifle is also semi- automtic and fires the same .223/5.56 cartridge that Eugene Stoners Armalie design does.  It remains to be see what the legislator will do in 2026.  With it being an election year expect a tense year filled with more speeches and possible executive action.  Be sure to check out our Youtube video on the press conference today.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world.  As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube Channel @2ifbyseatactical and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.