A federal trial in East St. Louis is challenging the constitutionality of Illinois' Protect Illinois Communities Act, which bans assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. Plaintiffs, including gun shop owners and advocacy groups, argue the law violates the Second Amendment by restricting commonly used firearms for self-defense and recreation. Scott Pulaski, owner of Piasa Armory, testified that the ban has significantly hurt his business. State officials, citing the Highland Park mass shooting, argue that regulating military-grade weapons is consistent with historical traditions and does not violate constitutional rights. U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn, who previously issued a temporary injunction against the law, is presiding over the case after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned his decision. This trial could potentially escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court for a final ruling on the law's constitutionality.