State Senator Dale Fowler | Illinois State Senator
State Senator Dale Fowler | Illinois State Senator
A federal judge in East St. Louis has declared Illinois' ban on assault weapons unconstitutional. The ruling, issued by Judge Stephen P. McGlynn on November 8, challenges the state's 2023 legislation that prohibited the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines.
The law faced immediate opposition from gun owners and advocacy groups who claimed it violated constitutional rights. Following the ruling, Judge McGlynn granted an injunction to the plaintiffs but stayed its effect for 30 days.
In response, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed an appeal on the night of the ruling. Senator Fowler commented on the decision, expressing hope that it would shift focus towards addressing violence through stricter enforcement against illegal gun possession and improved mental health support.
The official injunction ruling is available for public access.
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