St. Paul, MN – In a critical victory for public safety and racial justice, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted against House File 13, a controversial ‘Shoot First’ bill that would have allowed individuals to use deadly force when they felt threatened, removing their duty to retreat.
Supporters framed HF 13 as an expansion of self-defense rights, but critics argued that these laws effectively legalize murder under the guise of self-defense.
“These ‘shoot first, ask questions later' laws don't merely alter traditional self-defense principles – they effectively escalate violent situations and issue a license to kill,” said Representative Cedrick Frazier (DFL - 43A) during the House debate. “These laws undermine the justice system by allowing individuals to act as judge, jury, and executioner—all in a matter of brief, critical moments.”
Representative Matt Bliss (R - 02B) said he introduced the bill in response to a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling in 2024, which upheld the state's requirement to retreat when possible before using or threatening to use force against a potential attacker.
"It's not what they were saying. It's not a 'shoot first' bill. It's not even a 'stand your ground' bill. It just simply says you don't have to retreat if you're going to use reasonable force," Rep. Bliss said.
The Racial Disparity in ‘Shoot First’ Laws
When looking at similar laws that have been applied in other states, studies show that homicides where a white shooter kills a Black victim are ruled ‘justified’ five to ten times more often than when the roles are reversed.
Rep. Frazier called out this systemic bias, citing the well-known cases of Trayvon Martin and Ralph Yarl—two Black teenagers who were shot in situations where the shooter later claimed self-defense.
“These laws fuel modern-day lynchings, disproportionately targeting young Black men while shielding those who pull the trigger,” Frazier stated. “This bill sends a chilling message: Some lives matter less than others.”
Representative Athena Hollins (DFL -66B), a lawyer and legal gun owner, delivered an impassioned speech, condemning the bill as a “solution in search of a problem” and warning of its dangerous consequences.
“The end result of House File 13 is a world where aggressive cowards start fights they cannot win and are excused for the murder their cowardice causes,” she said. “Trayvon Martin is dead, and his killer walks free because of laws like this. I see no reason to export that tragedy to the state of Minnesota.”
Minnesota has what's commonly known as a "castle doctrine" provision, which allows a person to use force without retreating first if they are under threat within their own home.
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