Illinois judge overturns ban on weapons.

Appeals Judge Puts Hold on Illinois Assault-Style Weapons Ban

A federal appeals judge in Chicago has temporarily blocked the enforcement of Illinois’s assault-style weapons ban. Appellate Judge Frank Easterbrook’s stay stops the ruling by U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn from taking effect. Easterbrook gave both sides more time to file briefs.

Challenging the Restrictions

David Sigale, a lawyer for the Illinois State Rifle Association, told the Chicago Tribune that he and other lawyers challenging the restrictions would respond to Easterbrook’s decision in the coming days. “We are hopeful that when the judge fully considers the issue in a few days after we have formally responded to the Motion for Stay, he will reconsider today’s ruling,” Sigale told the outlet via text message. “At the same time, we will be seeking to expedite the appellate process so that the matter may be heard in full as quickly as possible.”

Constitutional Right at Stake

McGlynn had granted an injunction prohibiting Illinois from enforcing its ban on several high-powered firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines. State law also required existing owners of those types of weapons to register them with the Illinois State Police. McGlynn wrote that “a constitutional right is at stake” and said gun rights groups had shown that a weapons ban would cause them “irreparable harm” by denying them their “right to self-defense in the manner they choose” and denying them the ability to “purchase their firearm of choice.”

Illinois General Assembly Passes Sweeping Gun Restrictions

In January, the Illinois General Assembly passed a sweeping set of gun restrictions in response to several shootings at a 2022 Independence Day parade in Chicago. Prosecutors allege Robert Crimo III opened fire at the packed parade, killing seven people and injuring dozens more. He has been charged with 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder, and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm. His father, Robert Crimo Jr., has been charged with seven counts of reckless conduct causing great bodily harm for helping his son obtain a Firearm Owners Identification card.

State Rep. Bob Morgan Applauds Easterbrook’s Decision

State Rep. Bob Morgan, the Democrat who sponsored the weapons ban legislation in the Illinois House, applauded Easterbrook’s decision. “We know the fight isn’t over — the gun lobby will continue to try and block any common sense efforts to keep assault weapons off our streets,” Morgan said. “But we aren’t backing down, and this ruling only strengthens our resolve and confidence.”

• Appellate Judge Frank Easterbrook has temporarily blocked the enforcement of Illinois’s assault-style weapons ban.
• David Sigale, a lawyer for the Illinois State Rifle Association, and other lawyers challenging the restrictions will respond to Easterbrook’s decision in the coming days.
• McGlynn had granted an injunction prohibiting Illinois from enforcing its ban on several high-powered firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines.
• In January, the Illinois General Assembly passed a sweeping set of gun restrictions in response to several shootings at a 2022 Independence Day parade in Chicago.
• State Rep. Bob Morgan, the Democrat who sponsored the weapons ban legislation in the Illinois House, applauded Easterbrook’s decision.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.