A federal judge has overturned Illinois’ ban on semiautomatic weapons, citing recent Supreme Court rulings. The state’s governor has vowed to appeal, highlighting ongoing national debates on gun control and Second Amendment rights.
Illinois Semiautomatic Weapon Ban Overturned
In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn struck down Illinois’ recent ban on semiautomatic weapons, referencing recent Supreme Court interpretations of the Second Amendment. McGlynn’s decision applies universally across the state and challenges the legality of the Protect Illinois Communities Act.
Background on the Illinois Ban
The Protect Illinois Communities Act was signed into law in January 2023 by Governor J.B. Pritzker. It aimed to prohibit AR-15 rifles, large-capacity magazines, and various weapon attachments in response to the 2022 mass shooting in Highland Park. The law has been controversial, with supporters advocating for enhanced public safety, while opponents argue it infringes on Second Amendment rights.
Judge McGlynn’s Rationale
Judge McGlynn, a Trump appointee, argued that constitutional rights cannot be subjected to “the whims or appetite of government officials.” His opinion challenges the notion that fundamental rights are flexible based on current policies, calling for strict adherence to recent Supreme Court interpretations favoring individual gun ownership rights.
Illinois Officials Respond with Plans for Appeal
In response, Governor Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul vowed to appeal the ruling. Pritzker’s spokesperson stated the law’s intent to protect Illinois residents from gun violence in public spaces. State officials underscore that the ban is part of their broader public safety strategy.
Gun Advocacy Groups Applaud the Ruling
The Illinois State Rifle Association, a vocal critic of the law, welcomed the ruling. The association asserts that the decision reaffirms its stance on gun rights and validates the constitutional concerns it raised about the law’s scope and implications for gun owners statewide.
COMMENTS