Current:Home > ScamsUS judge tosses Illinois’ ban on semiautomatic weapons, governor pledges swift appeal -WealthGrow Network
US judge tosses Illinois’ ban on semiautomatic weapons, governor pledges swift appeal
View
Date:2025-04-14 12:19:11
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A federal judge on Friday overturned Illinois’ ban on semiautomatic weapons, leaning on recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that strictly interpret the Second Amendment right to keep and bear firearms.
U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn issued the lengthy finding in a decree that he said applied universally, not just to the plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit challenging the ban.
The Protect Illinois Communities Act, signed into law in January 2023 by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, took effect Jan. 1. It bans AR-15 rifles and similar guns, large-capacity magazines and a wide assortment of attachments largely in response to the 2022 Independence Day shooting at a parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.
McGlynn’s order doesn’t take effect for 30 days.
“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,” McGlynn, who was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, wrote in his opinion. “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.”
Pritzker and Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul pledged to swiftly appeal the ruling.
“Despite those who value weapons of war more than public safety, this law was enacted to and has protected Illinoisans from the constant fear of being gunned down in places where they ought to feel secure,” Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough said.
The Illinois State Rifle Association, in a post on its website, said, “Our legislative team tried to warn lawmakers about the unconstitutionality of Pritzker’s scheme.”
“Today’s ruling affirms our legislative position and shows our dedication to fighting on behalf of the millions of law-abiding Illinois firearms owners,” the association said.
___
Williams reported from Detroit.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $250 Crossbody Bag for Just $59
- Beyoncé's New Perfume Will Have You Feeling Crazy in Love
- Here's What Kourtney Kardashian Has Been Eating and Drinking During Her Pregnancy
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Feel Free to Salute These Secrets About Saving Private Ryan
- Secretive State Climate Talks Stir Discontent With Pennsylvania Governor
- South Korea Emerges As Key Partner for America’s Energy Transition
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Funding Poised to Dry Up for Water Projects in Ohio and Other States if Proposed Budget Cuts Become Law
Ranking
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Nordstrom Clear the Rack Last Day to Shop: Jaw-Dropping Deals Including $3 Swimsuits
- Former reverend arrested for 1975 murder of 8-year-old girl
- How the Hollywood Strikes Will Affect New Seasons of Law & Order and One Chicago Shows
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- What is AI? Experts weigh in
- The View Co-Creator Bill Geddie Dead at 68
- Bachelor Nation's Raven Gates and Adam Gottschalk Welcome Baby No. 2
Recommendation
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
Weather off the coast of Acapulco hinders efforts to find missing Baltimore man
Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin Reveal 2nd Wedding in the Works
All the Signs Prince George Is Taking This Future-King Business Seriously
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
As Wildfire Smoke Recedes, Parents of Young Children Worry About the Next Time
3 injured in shooting outside Philadelphia bar, police say
Alabama Black Belt Becomes Environmental Justice Test Case: Is Sanitation a Civil Right?