Police Ramp Up Opposition To Minn. Gun Bill

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota police and prosecutors are stepping up their opposition to a bill in the Legislature that would expand people's rights to use deadly force to defend themselves.

DFL state Sen. John Harrington, who is former police chief of St. Paul, says the bill "will increase danger to the public and increase danger to the police."

Opponents contend the bill will put police officers at an increased risk of being shot by gun owners who believe their safety is threatened.

Andrew Rothman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance says opponents are engaging in "hysteria and fear-mongering."

Gov. Mark Dayton has said he opposes the bill but has stopped short of threatening a veto.