2 weeks Ago
Topline A federal judge deemed Illinois' ban on assault weapons unconstitutional Friday, according to multiple outlets , though state Gov. J.B.
Pritzker has vowed to appeal the ruling that overturned the ban enacted after a 2022 mass shooting killed seven and injured dozens in a Chicago suburb. Key Facts Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts : We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Contra The Illinois State Rifle Association said its legislative team “tried to warn lawmakers about the unconstitutionality of Pritzker’s scheme” and called the ban an “affront to citizen’s rights” in a statement posted to its website Friday. Tangent Robert Crimo III, the alleged Highland Park shooter, is expected to go to trial early next year after rejecting a plea deal in June. Key Background Illinois is one of several states with an assault weapons ban, with California, Washington, Massachusetts and New York among those with similar laws.
The legislation has largely been established in response to persistently high levels of mass shootings in the U.S. within the last several years.
A total of 449 mass shootings (a minimum of four victims shot, injured or killed, not including the shooter) have occurred in the U.S. so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive , which reported 656 mass shootings last year.
Further Reading Alleged Chicago-Area 4th Of July Shooter Abruptly Rejects Plea Deal—Will Face Trial For Killing 7 (Forbes) US judge tosses Illinois’ ban on semiautomatic weapons, governor pledges swift appeal (AP).
