A federal judge overturned Illinois’ unconstitutional ban on semiautomatic weapons on Friday, triggering the state’s top Democrats.
The law, which went into effect at the start of 2023, came in response to the shooting in Highland Park on July 4, 2022.
The Protect Illinois Communities Act banned semi-automatic rifles, commonly used magazines, and numerous attachments that firearms can be equipped with.
“Sadly, there are those who seek to usher in a sort of post-Constitution era where the citizens’ individual rights are only as important as they are convenient to a ruling class,” said U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn in his ruling.
He added, “The oft-quoted phrase that ‘no right is absolute’ does not mean that fundamental rights precariously subsist subject to the whims, caprice, or appetite of government officials or judges.”
McGlynn added that it was “particularly disturbing” that Democrats had sought to ban weapons that were already widely used by Americans, which would deprive them “of a principal means to defend themselves and their property in situations where a handgun or shotgun alone would not be the citizen’s preferred arm.”
The Illinois State Rifle Association celebrated the law being overturned in a statement posted on their website.
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“Our legislative team tried to warn lawmakers about the unconstitutionality of Pritzker’s scheme,” the group said. “After the Governor put his signature on this affront to citizen’s rights, the ISRA partnered with the Second Amendment Foundation to file suit in Federal Court with a promise to see this through to the US Supreme Court if necessary.”
“Today’s ruling affirms our legislative position and shows our dedication to fighting on behalf of the millions of law-abiding Illinois firearms owners,” they added. “Barring any further court action, the ISRA looks forward to restoration of 2nd Amendment rights to Illinois firearms owners just in time for the holidays and winter hunting seasons.”
CNN reported that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Democrat Attorney General Kwame Raoul pledged to immediately appeal the ruling.