Politics & Government
Illinois Assault Weapon Ban Back On After Appellate Ruling
A Chicago federal judge issued a stay on a ruling last week that temporarily blocked the ban while the law is considered by a higher court.
CHICAGO — The state’s ban on assault weapons is back on, at least temporarily, after a federal appellate court judge in Chicago on Thursday stayed a ruling at the request of the state’s attorneys while a previous appellate court decision is under review.
Judge Frank Easterbrook issued the decision on Thursday, which puts a hold on last week’s court decision which blocked the enforcement of the ban on assault weapons. The decision is currently being reviewed by the 7th District U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Stephen McGlynn temporarily blocked enforcement of the state’s ban on assault weapons. In his ruling, he said the ban “completely obliterated” the right to defend oneself.
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State attorneys earlier this week asked the Circuit Court of Appeals to block McGlynn’s decision, which lawyers called unprecedented.” McGlynn issued his decision late last week after gun rights groups, including the Illinois State Rife Association, filed for a preliminary injunction against the ban.
The statewide ban on assault weapons went into effect earlier this year less than six months after the Highland Park 4th of July parade mass shooting.
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McGlynn issued his decision last week after two federal judges had refused to rule on the case and had declined to issue injunctions.
In a statement issued on Thursday night after Easterbrook’s decision, Illinois Gov. J.B Pritzker said he is thankful that law enforcement officials across the state can continue to enforce the ban on the sale of high-powered assault weapons and magazines while the courts continue to weigh the legality of the ban.
“As I have said since the passage of this law, this is a constitutional piece of legislation that was carefully crafted by members of the General Assembly and advocates to keep Illinois communities safe,” the governor said. “Although this legal battle will continue, this ruling by the court is a step in the right direction that allows us to keep dangerous weapons off the street.”
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