Gov. Tim Walz is condemning comments by a Republican state lawmaker who said supporters of tighter gun restrictions need to be "kicked to the curb and stomped on and run over."

Rep. Carl Bahr of East Bethel made his remarks Saturday during a Capitol rally by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. That rally came as the House this week is expected to consider bills including universal background checks for gun buyers.

Walz responded Sunday with a statement calling Bahr's comments "unacceptable."

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Walz said encouraging violence "endangers our communities and undermines our democracy." Walz, a Democrat, said such remarks should be condemned by all political parties.

The other major gun bill due for consideration this week is for a so-called "red flag" law that would let police confiscate guns from people considered dangerous.