A federal judge on Friday overturned Illinois' ban on semi-automatic weapons, relying on a recent Supreme Court decision that strictly interpreted the Second Amendment's right to keep and bear firearms.
U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn announced this lengthy finding in his ruling, saying it applied universally, not just to plaintiffs who filed lawsuits challenging the ban.
The Illinois Community Protection Act, signed by Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in January 2023, went into effect on January 1st.
AR-15 rifles and similar weapons, high-capacity magazines and various accessories will be banned in response to the 2022 Fourth of July mass shooting in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.
McGlynn's order will not go into effect for 30 days.
“Sadly, there are people who are trying to usher in a kind of post-constitutional era where the individual rights of the people are just as important as the convenience of the ruling class,” he said. McGlynn said during his first term. ” he wrote in his opinion.
“The oft-quoted phrase, 'No right is absolute,' does not mean that fundamental rights exist precariously, subject to the whims, whims, and appetites of government officials and judges.”
Mr. Pritzker and Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul have vowed to quickly appeal the ruling.
“Despite those who value weapons of war over public safety, this law was enacted to protect Illinoisans from the constant fear of being shot in a place where they should feel safe,” said Pritzker Press Secretary Alex. Goff said.
“Our legislative team sought to alert lawmakers to the unconstitutionality of Mr. Pritzker's plan,” the Illinois Rifle Association said in a post on its website.
“Today’s ruling affirms our legislative position and demonstrates our dedication to fighting on behalf of millions of law-abiding Illinois firearm owners,” the association said. said.
