Judge Overturns Illinois' Ban on Semi-Auto Weapons, Governor Vows Appeal

A federal judge has struck down Illinois' ban on semiautomatic weapons, citing recent Supreme Court rulings that strongly support the Second Amendment. Judge Stephen P. McGlynn, appointed by former President Trump, ruled that the ban cannot be enforced. This comes after Democratic Governor J. B. Pritzker signed the Protect Illinois Communities Act into law in January 2023. The law targeted AR-15 rifles and other similar firearms, large-capacity magazines, and various attachments following a 2022 shooting in Highland Park.The judge's decision will not take effect immediately; there is a 30-day grace period. McGlynn expressed concern that some might try to erode the rights of citizens, emphasizing that fundamental rights shouldn't be subject to the whims of government officials. Both Pritzker and the state's Attorney General, Kwame Raoul, have announced they will appeal the ruling promptly. They assert that the law aims to ensure public safety and protect citizens from gun violence. On the other side, the Illinois State Rifle Association praised the decision, stating that they had warned lawmakers about the ban's unconstitutionality. They affirmed their commitment to defending the rights of law-abiding firearm owners in the state.