Legislators Call for Coordinated, Prevention‑Focused Approach to Reduce Violence in Minnesota

April 13, 2026

St. Paul — With public safety concerns rising across Minnesota, State Representatives Andrew Myers (R–Tonka Bay), Danny Nadeau (R–Rogers), Ben Bakeberg (R–Jordan), Jeff Witte (R–Lakeville), and Patti Anderson (R–Dellwood) are calling for a more coordinated, prevention-driven strategy to reduce suicide and gun violence. A plan spearheaded by the Suburban Solutions Caucus and supported by members of the House GOP Caucus was announced today: the Safer Communities Together Initiative, a layered plan centered on early intervention, better information-sharing, and proven models working in other states.

In Baltimore, coordinated efforts like Ceasefire and several strategies implemented in Memphis, and other cities, have brought together law enforcement, community leaders, and service providers to intervene with individuals and communities most at risk, helping drive meaningful reductions in violence when consistently applied.

“This isn’t about one policy or one agency,” Witte said. “It’s about building a system that works, where information is shared, warning signs are recognized early, and every part of public safety is working in the same direction.”

The Suburban Solutions Caucus outlined several tools the Legislature should prioritize to build that system:

  • HF 3764: Anonymous reporting systems for students, educators, and community members.
  • HF 4423: Stronger fusion center capabilities and expanded behavioral threat assessment teams.
  • HF 3602: Comprehensive school safety plans integrating mental‑health, reporting, and law‑enforcement
  • School Funding: Increased and flexible Safe Schools funding for all Minnesota students.
  • Office of Violence Prevention: A single point of leadership to consolidate data and coordinate evidence‑based prevention efforts.
  • Additional Measures: Enhanced penalties for straw purchasers, required firearm storage away from prohibited persons, and expanded mental‑health and school‑safety resources.

Research shows many acts of violence are preceded by identifiable warning signs, yet current systems often fail to connect that information in time. “The warning signs are often there,” Bakeberg said. “The challenge is making sure we have systems in place to act before it’s too late.”

Nadeau emphasized that meaningful progress requires moving beyond entrenched political narratives. “Republicans and Democrats may approach gun violence differently, but there is meaningful common ground on prevention,” Nadeau said. “Improving reporting, strengthening coordination, and intervening early when someone is in crisis are practical steps that save lives, they shouldn’t be partisan.”

Myers added that coordination, not simply additional spending, must remain the priority. “Minnesotans expect a system that is accountable, coordinated, and focused on results. If we focus on what works and where we agree, we can strengthen public safety and reduce violence across our state.”

With the Minnesota House evenly split, bipartisan solutions are essential to move legislation forward. The Safer Communities Together Initiative incorporates input from community leaders, parents, students, educators, law enforcement, gun violence prevention groups, and others. It reflects a practical, collaborative approach built on prevention, shared responsibility, and early intervention to keep Minnesota communities safe.

Representative Anderson emphasized the importance of building broad coalitions to move meaningful legislation forward. “Meaningful solutions require building coalitions across political spectrums to support legislation that can move forward, even in divisive times. This plan brings those partnerships together, creating a layered approach that can make a real impact on violence prevention across all of Minnesota,” she said.