Rep. Maye Quade ends 24-hour sit-in, awaits action on gun control bills

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - State Representative Erin Maye Quade’s 24-hour sit-in on the Minnesota House floor to protest the lack of action on gun laws ended Wednesday. 

When her 24-hour protest ended, she got up and walked out to meet supporters who packed the halls and gallery. Many of the supporters are calling for stronger background checks for gun buyers and so-called “red flag” laws, which gives families and police a legal path to temporarily remove guns from people who are a danger to themselves or others. 

“There have been walkouts, there have been marches, there have been demonstrations, there have been sit-ins, there have been calls, there have been letters, rallies,” Maye Quade said. “I don’t think Minnesotans know what else to do to have this majority hear them. I wanted them to know we hear them.”

Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt heard her. In a brief conversation, he said he respected her right to protest. He also said there could still be action on gun bills this session. 

“I hope that there is, I think there will be, I think there can be,” Daudt said. “I don’t know what that looks like yet and I know those conversations are ongoing. And I certainly applaud and encourage members to engage each other.” 

Daudt said some lawmakers were working on tweaks to gun legislation that could draw enough support to pass this year. 

The chief House author of the gun bills, Rep. David Pinto says no one has been talking to him. 

"I can say, no," said Pinto. "I have not been told, boy if we can make these couple of tweaks then we are ready to go."

Rep. Maye Quade agreed.   

"There is no conversation,” Maye Quade said. “If it's behind closed doors, it's not happening. This is the people's House. There should be transparency." 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.