Youth who carry replica or real guns to face tougher punishments in Minneapolis, Hennepin County

To curb youth violence throughout the warmer months, Minneapolis and Hennepin County officials announced Tuesday that they would get tougher on children who are found carrying BB guns or other replica firearms, as well as real guns. Replica firearms are banned by a Minneapolis ordinance. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Hennepin County Attorney Michael Freeman said at a press conference that it will improve “enforcement of youth curfew laws, replica firearms ordinances and supervision of juveniles on probation for gun offenses,” according to the Star Tribune.

Children ages 10-17 who are discovered with a real gun will be put on probation; receive four to six weeks of out-of-home placement; and be required to undergo 40 hours of gun danger classes, the Strib story states. For those who don’t meet the disciplinary requirements, or who are repeat offenders, out-of-home placements could be increased to 15 months (with probation thrown in, as well).