You’ve probably seen our requests in social media or read about some of our legal cases in the news. We’ve brought several cases to the courts or through other legal actions challenging laws and governmental actions that infringe upon the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms – and related civil liberties.
To bring a legal case, we need to find individuals impacted directly by a law, regulation, policy, or other governmental action to step up and join the case as a named plaintiff. This means you’re part of the legal action and directly assert a claim against a government entity or government actor.
Note that we do not provide criminal defense support in cases.
Please take a look below for our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about what being a plaintiff involves.
Even if you don’t meet the criteria that we lay out below, you can still help us by spreading the word, especially if you know someone who might meet the criteria.
Know someone that fits the criteria? Ask them to contact us!
Current Plaintiff Searches
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus is currently looking for Plaintiffs in the following potential legal actions:
18-20-Year-Olds who wish to carry a firearm in Minnesota
- Since 2021, we have been litigating in federal court over Minnesota’s prohibition on 18-20-year-old adults lawfully carrying a firearm in Minnesota.
- In March 2023, we won this case in Federal District Court; however, the state is expected to appeal.
- As the original plaintiffs in the case are or will soon turn 21, we are actively seeking replacement plaintiffs.
- Prospective plaintiffs should be 18-19 years old, qualify for a Minnesota Permit to Carry, and be willing to take a class and apply for a permit to carry.
18-20 year olds who wish to obtain a Permit to Purchase in Minnesota
- We’re looking for 18-20 year olds who wish to obtain a Permit to Purchase in Minnesota and have been denied or restricted by your local police department or Sheriff from doing so.
Minnesotans who possess binary triggers
- We’re looking for Minnesota residents who possess binary triggers that would be impacted by the ban passed by the state legislature that is effective January 1st, 2025.
Adults who wish to carry a switchblade knife for self-defense in Minnesota
- We’re looking for adults who want to own and carry a switchblade knife for self-defense in Minnesota.
Retailers who wish to sell switchblade knives in Minnesota
- We’re looking for retailers who wish to carry and sell switchblade knives in Minnesota
- We’d prefer retailers who currently sell folding knives
- They do not need to be a FFL
Saint Paul Residents with a Permit to Carry who will be impacted by Saint Paul’s Weapons Storage Ordinance
- In May 2023, Saint Paul is expected to pass a weapons storage ordinance that will require firearms to be stored in a manner in violation of Minnesota law & federal Second Amendment case law. It will render firearms unusable for self-defense purposes.
- This ordinance violates Minnesota’s preemption statutes that prohibit cities from passing their own firearm ordinances – and existing case law from the US Supreme Court.
- We are seeking plaintiffs that live in the City of Saint Paul, hold a Permit to Carry, and will be adversely impacted by this ordinance.
Minneapolis Residents who own “Assault Weapons” that are prohibited under Minneapolis Ordinance
- The City of Minneapolis has banned possessing “assault weapons” in city ordinance.
- This ordinance violates Minnesota’s preemption statutes prohibiting cities from passing firearm ordinances.
- We are seeking plaintiffs that live in the City of Minneapolis and own a firearm that is prohibited under the City’s ordinance.
Minnesota Residents who have been arrested and charged for carrying a firearm at the Minnesota State Fair
- We previously sued the Minnesota State Agricultural Society for violating Minnesota’s preemption statute for banning the lawful carry of firearms at the Minnesota State Fair.
- This case was dismissed in court partially because of the lack of cause of action due to the lack of actual harm to the plaintiffs.
- We are seeking plaintiffs that have been charged with violating the ordinance that prohibits the lawful carry of a firearm at the Minnesota State Fair.
If you meet these criteria please contact us. If you know someone who does fit the criteria, send them this page to review.
Contact us to be considered as a Plaintiff
If you meet the criteria listed below, please contact our team immediately at contact@gunowners.mn.
Include the following information in your email:
- Name
- Phone # (Mobile preferred)
- Why you are interested in being a plaintiff
- Which case(s) you’re interested in being a plaintiff for?
Prospective Plaintiff Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost?
- If you’re selected, there is no cost to you to participate as a plaintiff.
- Legal fees and costs are covered by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and/or our national partners.
What are my responsibilities as a plaintiff?
- First, you will need to be completely truthful, accurate, and thorough with the information that you provide.
- We will need your attention and attentiveness – which you’ll also receive from our legal team and our staff at the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. If it is case we are litigating with one of our national partners, you’ll need to be responsive to their communications and requests as well – though most correspondence will come from our legal team working on the case.
- This means that we need you to be responsive via telephone and email – and respond to our messages quickly and thoroughly. Legal deadlines can be unforgiving and there are times where we’ll need to move quite quickly.
Do I have to go to court?
- Most of the time, our Plaintiffs do not have to go to court.
- In some cases, however, you may be asked to appear for a deposition. This is an opportunity for the other side of the case to ask you questions under oath – sometimes for several hours. This usually happens at a lawyer’s office or via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Our legal team will help you prepare and will be at your side during any deposition.
- Rarely, we goto trial and you may be called to give testimony in the courtroom. Again, our legal team will make sure you are properly prepared and would be present at any trial or hearings.
Can you help with a criminal case?
- We generally do not provide funding or direct legal support for a criminal case.
- We do have a list of lawyers in Minnesota who have significant experience defending firearms related criminal cases, and we would be happy to make a referral. Please contact us to learn more.
What if I have other questions?
- If you are selected as Plaintiff, our legal team would be happy to answer any questions that you have prior to your decision to participate.