Angie Craig’s bill repeals armored vehicle restrictions for police following the Burnsville shooting

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig will introduce a bill Wednesday that would make it easier for local police departments to purchase armored vehicles.

The Minnesota Democrat’s legislation follows a shooting earlier this year in Burnsville in which two police officers and a paramedic were killed while responding to a domestic violence call. It also coincides with National Police Week, where Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives plan to introduce a package of bills related to law enforcement.

First responders used an armored vehicle during the standoff to help rescue injured officers. According to Craig’s office, the vehicle was subjected to 41 rounds from a rifle that day while first responders responded to rescue other officers as well as the two people fatally shot and the paramedic.

Craig’s office said the armored vehicle used that day was purchased in 2008 and was the first the state had ever owned.

“Burnsville suffered an unimaginable loss on February 18th — and it’s hard to imagine what else could have happened if first responders hadn’t had access to the equipment and vehicles they needed that day,” Craig said in a statement . “In emergency situations, every second counts, and the least we can do is ensure local law enforcement has every tool available to stay safe and keep the community safe.”

Currently, law enforcement agencies receiving federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) cannot purchase armored vehicles unless they certify that the vehicles will be used exclusively for one of the following purposes: disaster-related emergencies, hostage situations, and active duty Shooter situations, searches etc rescue missions or anti-terrorist missions.

Once authorities receive armored vehicles with federal funds, they can only be used for their stated purpose, making it illegal to use the vehicles for other types of emergencies.

Craig’s Protect Local Law Enforcement Act would expand law enforcement agencies’ ability to purchase armored vehicles with federal funds by removing restrictions in a recent White House executive order.

Craig’s office worked on the legislation with local law enforcement agencies and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, the state’s largest professional association that represents more than 10,000 rank-and-file police officers, correctional officers, dispatchers and firefighters.

“Violence in communities – and against those who serve as law enforcement – ​​is on the rise and is beyond unacceptable,” Brian Peters, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, said in a statement. “Laws like this help make our communities and law enforcement safer.”

According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the last decade has seen a rise in assaults on police officers, most commonly while responding to domestic disturbance calls like the one that led to the deaths of first responders in Burnsville.

Since 2021, officers in Minnesota have reported at least 3,400 assaults, with a 10% increase over the last year.

“As we continue to mourn the deaths of Adam Finseth, Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, we can take actions like these to ensure Minnesota’s public safety officers are protected,” Craig said.

Craig is running for re-election this fall and her seat is again being targeted by national Republicans hoping to expand their majority in Congress. Crime has been a big issue in several of her races, but Craig’s work on policing issues helped her secure the support of law enforcement groups like the MPPOA in the last election cycle. The group supported her again in 2024.