A federal judge struck down Illinois’ ban on semiautomatic weapons on Friday, ruling the law unconstitutional and prompting sharp reactions from the state’s top Democrats.
The law, known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, was enacted in early 2023 following the tragic July 4, 2022, shooting in Highland Park. It prohibited semiautomatic rifles, standard-capacity magazines, and various firearm attachments.
“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,” U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn said in his ruling.
“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,” he added.
The Illinois State Rifle Association announced the law being overturned on their website.
“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,” the association 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.”
