Governor Pritzker signs assault weapons ban into law
Illinois becomes latest state to impose a ban on assault weapons following the Highland Park shooting on the Fourth of July
On Jan. 10, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law immediately banning the sale of assault-style rifles in the state. However, McHenry County’s State’s Attorney is challenging the ban, which is currently tied up in court,.
February 14, 2023
On Tuesday, Jan. 10, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an assault weapon ban into law after being approved by the Illinois House in a 68-41 vote and passing Monday in the Senate 34-20.
This ban takes place after a shooter used a legally purchased semi-automatic rifle, killing 7 and injuring 36, in Highland Park during a Fourth of July parade this summer. The law took effect immediately following Prtizker’s signature.
Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly have been pushing for more gun safety laws for years, with little success. Though a major goal of the organization for years, the ban on assault weapons seemed unlikely, until now.
“After nearly every mass shooting, we’ve seen efforts to ban dangerous weapons thwarted,” says Pritzker, “leaders send their thoughts and prayers, while they throw their hands up – resigning themselves to the idea that gun violence is a sacrifice that Americans must accept, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”
Not everyone agrees with the decision to pass the law, as some see it as a restriction of Second Amendment rights. Some individuals even stated they would not comply with the law, or would fight until it gets overturned.
“I’ll die on my front porch before anyone takes my guns away,” Illinois Senator Darren Bailey shared in a tweet. “My message to Springfield: If you want my guns, come get them.”
However despite all the outrage over legal gun-owners’ firearms being taken away, the bill just bans the sale of assault rifles in the future. Those who already own semi-automatic rifles can keep them, after registering them with police.
McHenry County Sheriff Robb Tadelman called the law unconstitutional and stated that his deputies would not be arresting anyone who violates the law.
“The right to keep and bear arms for defense of life, liberty and property is regarded as an inalienable right by the people,” says Tadelman. “I, among many others, believe that HB 5471 is a clear violation of the 2nd amendment to the US Constitution.”
The McHenry County Sheriff’s office will not check to ensure those who own semi-automatic rifles register them with the state and police department and McHenry County’s State Attorney Patrick Kenneally challenged the law.
“We believe that this has the potential to violate both the Illinois as well as the federal constitution and I wouldn’t be doing my job in upholding my oath of office if I didn’t bring this lawsuit,” Kenneally said in a statement.
The case is now in the federal court.
Gerard • Feb 16, 2023 at 1:56 pm
Really during a national crisis already brewing in the pacific ocean and we already on the brink of war I hope them the best because ain’t nobody police gone protect them if we get invaded plus if you do your research this is a infringed law
Lou • Feb 16, 2023 at 11:40 am
This will not change anything except it’s a political ploy to get a better seat and more money in your pocket, that’s it. Criminals will always be criminals, criminals will always get assault rifles, or whatever weapon of their choice to commit whatever act of violence they’re going to commit, there is nothing that will stop them except love, compassion, mental therapy and helping them with their emotions that are causing heinous acts of crime.
This ridiculous lol is actually going to make it worse because now you are challenging criminals and boy do they love a challenge and they’re going to preview wrong with definitely more violence, so thank you very much for that. It may be after it affects you or your family you’ll realize that this law needs to be overturned . This is only going to affect the law abiding citizens, and people that make their living and survive on this business. They are the ones that are going to suffer you will see more homelessness, suicides, and definitely more crime and horrific shootings. This “joke of a Law.” Is only going to cause more tragedy for everyone, you have it so twisted and so wrong that you truly believe you’re doing is right.
I feel sorry for you, as well as the American people. I will be praying for you and your families as well world. You have taken our rights away to defend ourselves as they are trying to survive them selves and defend themselves much less help anybody else. I wish you would say some prayers and really focus and listen to the people that are opposed.