MN Gun Owners Caucus v. City of Saint Paul (Preemption)

This case was filed in Ramsey County District Court on November 12, 2025.

Current Case Status

On April 14, 2026, a hearing was held on the City of Saint Paul’s motion to dismiss the case.
On May 26, 2026, Judge Castro denied the city’s motion.
On June 10th, 2026, the City of Saint Paul appealed Judge Castro’s ruling to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
We are awaiting word from the Court of Appeals if they are taking up the appeal and the associated filing deadlines.
There is no ETA on that ruling.

Last Updated: July 21st, 2026

Case Summary

In this case, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus is suing the City of Saint Paul for passing an illegal, preempted gun ban ordinance in violation of Minnesota’s firearms preemption law.

Case Details

Case Title

Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus v. City of Saint Paul, Minnesota

Ramsey County Court Case #

62-CV-25-9927

Assigned Judge

Judge Leonardo Castro

News Coverage

October 16, 2025: Washington Gun Law – “So this is how Minnesota plans on banning Assault Weapons” (video)
October 16, 2025: FOX 9 KMSP – St. Paul leaders set to propose gun law they can’t enforce
October 22, 2025: MPR News – Minnesota cities can’t regulate guns. St. Paul is introducing an assault weapon ban anyway.
October 27, 2025: The Trace – As St. Paul Advances Assault Weapons Ban, Its Mayor Takes Aim at the State’s Preemption Law
October 31, 2025: Minnesota Daily – St. Paul proposes gun ordinance as part of statewide collaboration
November 6, 2025: WCCO CBS – St. Paul City Council hears residents’ thoughts on city ordinance aimed at restricting guns
November 6, 2025: Pioneer Press – St. Paul gun ordinance: From ‘100% against’ to strong support, City Council hears from residents
November 12, 2025: Star Tribune – St. Paul to ban assault-style guns in public, but rules remain symbolic unless state law changes
November 12, 2025: Bearing Arms – St. Paul Invites Lawsuit with Gun Control Vote
November 12, 2025: Pioneer Press – Lawsuit filed after St. Paul City Council Unanimously approved firearms regulation ordinance

Case Filings

November 21, 2025
November 26, 2025
- Order denying Motion for Temporary Restraining Order
December 11, 2025
- City of Saint Paul’s Memorandum of Law in Opposition to the Caucus’s Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction
December 15, 2025
- Caucus’s Reply Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction
December 23, 2025
- City of Saint Paul’s Memorandum of Law in Support of its Motion to Dismiss
January 12, 2026
- Order Denying Temporary Injunction
January 13, 2026
- Caucus’s Amended Complaint for Declaratory Relief
January 22, 2026
- Scheduling Order
January 27, 2026
- City of Saint Paul – Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint
March 17, 2026
- City of Saint Paul – Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint
March 31, 2026
- MN Gun Owners Caucus – Memorandum Opposing Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint
April 7, 2026
- City of Saint Paul – Reply Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint
May 26, 2026
- Order and Memorandum Denying City of Saint Paul’s Motion to Dismiss the Case

Counsel of Record

In this case, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus is represented by Rob Doar, General Counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the text of the ordinance?

You can read the text of the ordinance on the City of Saint Paul website.

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Our affiliated 501(c)(3), the Minnesota Gun Owners Law Center, underwrites the majority of our legal action efforts.

You can make a tax-deductible donation directly to our Support Fund at this link.

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