GOP Lawmakers Call to Arm More Military Members

ST. PAUL (AP) - Some Republican lawmakers want more members of the military carrying weapons in light of a deadly shooting at military facilities in Tennessee.

A group of GOP legislators on Monday announced a bill in the works to exempt active duty members of the military and Minnesota's National Guard from the state's gun permitting process. The legislation is expected to be introduced next year.

They also called on Gov. Mark Dayton to issue an executive order arming the National Guard.

Sen. Paul Gazelka says the state needs to take steps to protect military personnel after five were killed in Chattanooga earlier this month.

Heather Martens of Protect Minnesota says Gazelka's bill is the wrong approach. She says all gun purchasers should be checked for domestic violence and mental health concerns.