Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed an explosive self-defense bill, saying the lives of police officers could be at risk if citizens are freer to use their guns when they feel threatened, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. The governor said Minnesota citizens facing threats already have the legal authority to defend themselves and their families. He cited strong opposition by organizations representing police officers, chiefs of police and county sheriffs. “When they strongly oppose a measure because they believe it will increase the dangers to them in the performance of their duties, I cannot support it,” Dayton said.
Dayton said there are more than 5 million guns in the state, showing that the “Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is properly being supported by lawmakers and law enforcers.” He noted prosecutors’ concern that the law goes too far in justifying such shootings, allowing “anyone to claim that he or she acted reasonably when using deadly force.” The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Tony Cornish, said, “It’s a sad day in Minnesota for law enforcement.” He questioned whether law enforcement “chiefs and sheriffs and the talking heads” support gun-owners rights.