St. Paul, MN – Today, Thursday, March 6, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted down HF 13, a Shoot First bill which would remove Minnesota’s duty to retreat, allowing Minnesotans to shoot first when they feel threatened. If passed, this would lead to even more gun violence victims and more loss of life. The bill failed to reach the 68 votes needed to pass on a party line vote.
Representative Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) released the following statement:
“These “shoot first, ask questions later" laws don't merely alter traditional self-defense principles – they effectively escalate violent situations and issue a license to kill. These laws undermine the justice system by allowing individuals to act as judge, jury, and executioner—all in a matter of brief, critical moments. When combined with right-to-carry laws, we create a volatile situation where armed individuals can initiate confrontations and then claim self-defense when those confrontations turn deadly. The most profoundly disturbing aspect of Shoot First laws is their demonstrably unequal application across racial lines.
“The evidence is overwhelming and impossible to ignore, studies consistently show that homicides involving white shooters and Black victims are deemed "justified" at rates 5-10 times higher than when the roles are reversed. This isn't a coincidence; it's systemic bias and racism codified into law. The same concept of "reasonable fear" has caused lasting pain for the family and loved ones of Trayvon Martin. Similarly, Ralph Yarl, a Black teen who was simply trying to pick up his sibling, was shot twice after knocking on the wrong door. These types of laws continue to amplify modern-day lynchings of Black and Brown bodies, particularly young Black males.
“This bill sends a clear and dangerous message: some lives matter less than others. Some people's fears justify deadly force, while others' fears are dismissed. Some communities receive protection, while others face increased vulnerability and danger.
“I was proud to vote in opposition with my Democrat colleagues to reject this reckless bill that would deepen existing inequities in our justice system. True public safety requires equal protection under law, not legislation that turns subjective fear into a weapon wielded disproportionately against communities of color.”