Supporters for gun owners rights groups and anti-gun forces attended a hearing at the State Capitol for a bill that would allow suppressors or silencers on guns in Minnesota.

Rep Dan Schoen, DFL-Cottage Grove, is a Cottage Grove police officer and regularly wears his service weapon to the Capitol.

Knox Williams, representing the American Suppressor Association testified with a suppressor in the desk in front of him.

Rep Tony Cornish, R-Vernon Center, and a retired police officer chairs the Public Safety committee that heard the bill that would lift Minnesota's prohibition of gun suppressors.

Joan Peterson challenged the notion that the main reason to allow suppressors was to protect shooters hearing by holding up advertisements from suppressor manufacturers that will increase profits if Minnesota lifts the prohibition on their use and possession.