Illinois Judge Overturns Assault Weapons Ban

A federal judge in Illinois has ruled the state's ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines unconstitutional, citing violations of the Second and Fourteenth Amendments. U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn issued a permanent injunction that will take effect in 30 days, allowing state officials, including Attorney General Kwame Raoul, to appeal the decision. The ruling follows the enactment of the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA) in January 2023, which was introduced after a mass shooting during the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade. Judge McGlynn emphasized the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves with commonly used firearms and criticized the ban as an undue restriction on constitutional rights. Both Governor J.B. Pritzker and Raoul expressed disappointment with the ruling, asserting that the law was designed to enhance public safety. This ruling is part of ongoing legal battles surrounding gun control measures in Illinois.