Assault-Style Weapon and High-Capacity Magazine Bans Debated in Minnesota

Lawmakers consider new restrictions following mass shooting, but research on impact is limited

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Minnesota lawmakers are debating banning assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines in the wake of a devastating mass shooting last summer. Proponents argue such bans could reduce the number of mass shootings and casualties, while opponents say the impact is unclear and manufacturers can often find ways around the restrictions. Researchers note there is limited data on the real-world effects of these types of bans due to a long-standing federal freeze on gun violence research.

Why it matters

Mass shootings have become a tragic reality in the U.S., with assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines often used in these attacks. Lawmakers are under pressure to act, but the research on the effectiveness of bans is mixed, making it a complex and politically charged issue.

The details

Minnesota is the latest state to consider banning assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, following 11 other states and Washington, D.C. that have already enacted such laws. The push comes after a mass shooting last summer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. One victim's parent, Harry Kaiser, has urged lawmakers to ban the types of weapons used in the attack to "slow down the carnage." However, studies have reached differing conclusions on whether these bans actually reduce mass shootings, with some finding a decrease and others finding no significant impact. Researchers also note that gun manufacturers have found ways to modify weapons to get around previous bans.

  • The federal assault weapons ban was in place from 1994 to 2004.
  • Congress ended a freeze on federal gun violence research a few years ago and has since allocated $25 million per year to study the issue.

The players

Harry Kaiser

A parent of a survivor of the Annunciation Catholic School mass shooting, who has urged lawmakers to ban the types of weapons used in the attack.

Andrew Morral

A researcher at RAND, a nonprofit research organization, who helped author a report analyzing studies on the impact of assault weapon and high-capacity magazine bans.

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What they’re saying

“There's an opportunity here to slow down the carnage between that first shot and the approach of the first responder.”

— Harry Kaiser, Parent of Annunciation shooting survivor (CBS News)

“There is some limited evidence that they might reduce the incidents of mass shootings or the number of fatalities in mass shootings. The high-capacity magazine ban that often accompanies these laws does seem like it would reduce the number of bullets that can be shot in a short period of time.”

— Andrew Morral, Researcher, RAND (CBS News)

What’s next

Lawmakers in Minnesota will continue debating the proposed assault-style weapon and high-capacity magazine ban, with a decision expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

The debate over assault-style weapon and high-capacity magazine bans highlights the complex and politically charged nature of gun violence prevention efforts in the U.S. While some research suggests these types of bans could reduce mass shootings, the overall impact remains unclear due to limited data, legal loopholes, and the powerful gun lobby.