R.T. Rybak, Survivor of Mpls. Workplace Shootings Call for Universal Background Checks

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak headed west Thursday to make a statement about the need for gun control.

Rybak appeared at Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka with Chaska Police Chief Scott Knight and John Souter, the one person who was injured but not killed in the 2012 shooting rampage at Accent Signage in Minneapolis. They called for background checks on anyone who wants to buy a gun.

The press conference and rally were among more than 100 gatherings of gun-control advocates nationwide Wednesday.

Rybak noted that the event was taking place in Minnesota's Third Congressional District and urged constituents of U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) to contact him about supporting gun-control legislation.

Several local news outlets carried reports on the event, including: 

Fox 9:

"People are making this about the Second Amendment. It's not," he argued. "It's about doing the right thing to curb this kind of violence. ... Five of my friends and colleagues died that afternoon, and then a sixth died three weeks later at HCMC. Why?" he asked.

Minnesota Public Radio:

Souter said it does not make sense to him that on a Sunday afternoon, a person can buy a semi-automatic rifle at a gun show without a background check.

"Yet, that same Sunday afternoon you could not go to your local supermarket and buy a bottle of wine," Souter said. "Are we serious?"

Related:

• Obama in Minneapolis: Gun Control is About Saving Lives
• (VIDEO) Hennepin County Attorney Shares His Thoughts on Gun Violence Prevention
• Ellison Calls For Gun Law Reform In Wake Of CT Shooting

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