The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) advocates for gun violence prevention and firearm safety policies. Recently, physician advocacy groups from across Minnesota sent a letter to Governor Walz calling for an end to gun violence and urging him to convene a special legislative session following the horrific tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church and School on August 27, 2025.
In response, the MAFP issued a Speak Out to members encouraging them to contact their legislators. We call for common-sense gun violence prevention policies that include:
- A statewide ban on assault weapons.
- A statewide ban on high-capacity magazines.
- A statewide requirement that firearms be stored locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition.
- Removal of the current prohibition on local municipalities enacting stricter firearm regulations than the state.
Public Health Crisis
Firearm-related death and injury are a public health crisis. In Minnesota, the leading cause of death for children is not car crashes, cancer or overdoses — it is guns. The policies outlined above have been proven to reduce deaths and injuries by firearms.
It is unacceptable that on average 125 Americans are killed every day by a gun — and at least twice that number are injured. Physicians see the devastating effects of gun violence in their patients and families. There are meaningful steps that we can take to address gun violence, while still protecting the rights of responsible gun owners.
Policies for Change
MAFP members have written and adopted resolutions to address gun violence, calling for universal background checks, red flag laws and bans on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The Academy has also been a strong supporter of related bills introduced in the legislature.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) encourages all members and physicians to stay informed about gun violence in their states and to share information on gun safety and violence prevention with their patients. Its comprehensive paper on gun violence prevention outlines the AAFP’s stance, policies and available resources.
Additional MAFP Resources
The MAFP has written extensively on this issue in the past and will continue to speak out and advocate for an end to gun violence for all Minnesotans. MAFP Supports Common Sense Gun Safety Measures:
- Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy Tool Kit
- Safe Storage of Firearms
- Tips for Physicians on Gun Safety Advocacy
Other Organizations
Many organizations operate within our state to advocate for gun safety and violence prevention. They provide advocacy toolkits, statistics and violence prevention information.
Stay Informed
The MAFP remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing evidence-based policies that protect the health and safety of all Minnesotans. We compiled a list of resources, available on our website. See gun violence prevention resources.
By elevating physician voices and calling for common sense reforms, the MAFP will continue working toward a future where communities are free from the devastating effects of gun violence.
