That was quick. The new Illinois “assault weapons ban” isn’t popular with law enforcement officials or state representatives. Before they voiced their objection, the ink had barely dried on the document. This legislation mostly affects point-of-sale, but current owners of banned firearms must register them (story below). It doesn’t appear that anyone will enforce it in at least 2 counties.
Opposition to Illinois’ “Assault Weapons” Ban Turning to Defiance
Edwards County Sheriff Darby Boewe released a statement shortly after the bill had been signed. He states in the statement that he will not support the bill. He specifically states that the bill is against the constitution.
“Neither my office nor I will be checking to ensure lawful gun owners register with the State their guns, nor will [or] housing persons that have been charged with non-compliance with this act,” Sheriff Darby’s statement on Wednesday, reported by WEVV news.
According to the WEVV Report, a similar statement was issued by Wabash County Sheriff’s Office after Darby’s statement. The Wabash County statement also opposes this bill and includes the same quote. Similar statements were issued by several other sheriffs from the area and in Illinois.
Illinois State Representatives Chime In
Members of the Illinois House and Senate did not like the newly signed legislation. Many criticized the legislation for putting at risk the lives of Illinois citizens. They pointed out that those who break the law will not be able to register their firearms. Some people went on to openly flout the ban.
According to CBS News, Illinois State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, (R-Beecher City), stated that “We will not comply” and that “you’re not going do a darn thing because the law, Constitution, and founding principles are on our side.”
Similarly, the outgoing Illinois State Senator Darren Bailey (R Xenia) also tweeted a message defiance
I’ll die on the front porch of my house before anyone takes away my guns. My message to Springfield: Come get my guns if you want them. #voidthefoid #secondamendment #twill https://t.co/ec2ng6AzPh pic.twitter.com/l4EihJtrfZ– Darren Bailey (@DarrenBaileyIL) January 10, 2023
This legislation appears to be facing an uphill battle. Many opponents are optimistic that they will win. Although it may be a long journey, it is worth it as long as the constitution remains intact, as it should.
PDW reported the following on January 11, 2023:
You may have seen the headlines. On Monday, there were four murders and three injuries in a series of shootings in Chicago. What is Gov. Pritzker’s answer? Is he addressing the growing epidemic of violent crime within his state? Nope. He is instead focusing on making it more difficult for law-abiding citizens defend themselves. On Tuesday night, he signed an Illinois “assault weapons ban”.
Illinois “Assault Weapons” Ban Signed Tuesday
Illinois is the ninth state to adopt an “assault weapon ban.” The legislation prohibits the sale of “military-style weapons” and high-capacity magazines in Illinois. The Illinois House passed the legislation banning assault weapons with a 68-41 victory.
Fox2Now reports that the ban went into effect immediately and it is now illegal to sell assault weapon in the Land of Lincoln. The legislation also limits ammunition magazines to 10 rounds for long guns, and 15 rounds for handguns. Rapid-fire devices, also known as “switches”, are also prohibited because they convert firearms into fully automated weapons.
ABC News reports that “Just hours after the legislation was passed in both chambers, the Illinois General Assembly, Governor. J.B. Pritzker signed into law the “Protect Illinois Communities Act” during a ceremony at Springfield’s State Capitol. As the governor presented the document, supporters, many of whom were survivors of gun violence, erupted in cheers and applause.
According to reports, pending sales will still get processed if background checks are already in place. Gun owners who own firearms that are affected by the legislation can keep them. They must register the firearms with the Illinois state police before the start of next year.
The Illinois State Rifle Association promises to fight the legislation in courts, claiming that it affects nearly 2.5million legal firearm owners in Illinois.
Richard A Pearson, executive director of ISRA, stated Tuesday that he accepted the challenge. The Illinois State Rifle Association will appear in court to defend the State of Illinois.
Legislation Effects on Firearms
The bill is available below. Page 84 contains the long list of firearms that were affected. It is too extensive to list here. I recommend that you take a look. The list is so long, it’s almost impossible to see what’s not subject to the ban.
The following are the only exceptions:
Any firearm that is not serviceable or has been permanently inoperable.
You’ll find pistols with threaded barrels and AR pistols, AR-10s and AR-15s, AKs as well as.50 cals, some shotguns and “high capacity” magazines on the list. Many firearms are also listed in the legislation by their names. It’s a wish list for gun lovers.
You can find the complete list here
The Illinois State Rifle Association believes that this legislation will not be passed constitutional muster and will be rejected. However, Illinois residents will continue to be subject to the law until then and will be at the mercy of criminals. Things will continue to deteriorate until these narrow legislators empower law enforcement to enforce existing laws.
But I wouldn’t bet on that. They care only about disarming law-abiding citizens and dismantling Amendment 2. They could care less about gangs or thugs like this guy.
These are members of the MBlock set of Black Disciples near 69th and Maplewood in Chicago.
Has anyone thought to inform these gentlemen of Chicago’s strict gun laws? I thought being a member of a violent gang would show up on a background check. How’d they get the guns?🤔 pic.twitter.com/kMbOEQvlOl
— 🇺🇸MAGA Force Will🇺🇸 (@notBilly) January 11, 2023
Unfortunately, I believe things will only get worse for Chicagoans before they get better. If they ever do.
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Personal Defense World published the article Sheriffs and State Rep. Will not Enforce Illinois’ “Assault Weapons Ban” first.
