WASHINGTON — President Obama's Monday visit to Minneapolis will be to "discuss with local leaders and law enforcement officials his comprehensive set of common-sense ideas to reduce gun violence," according to a White House spokesperson.
"Minneapolis is a city [that] has taken important steps to reduce gun violence and foster a conversation in the community about what further action is needed," White House spokeswoman Joanna Rosholm said in a statement. "President Obama will visit with members of the community about their experiences and discuss additional steps that can be taken at the federal level to reduce gun violence.”
The trip will be the second of Obama's new term, and the first time he'll address gun violence at length outside Washington. Obama outlined his gun violence proposals two weeks ago. In doing so, he appointed B. Todd Jones, the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, as director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has been a big supporter of the president's gun control push, attending the White House event in which Obama announced his proposals. Democratic U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison has taken up the issue as well; he'll hold an event on gun safety in Minneapolis on Thursday night.
No word yet on where or when the Obama event will take place, or what the format will be.
Devin Henry can be reached at dhenry@minnpost.com.