A federal judge in Chicago has declined to block enforcement of Illinois’ strict “assault weapons” ban, denying a request from a gun owner who argued the law was unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins said that the gun control laws are consistent with the United States’ historical tradition of firearm regulation, and that the gun owner was unlikely to show they are unconstitutional. She also said that the government has a prevailing interest in protecting the public from “dangerous” weapons that is not outweighed by the Second Amendment’s protection of the right to keep and bear arms.
This lawsuit is one of several ongoing challenges to the Illinois gun control law enacted in January. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the law in response to a shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade that left seven victims dead and more than 48 others injured. Read more…
