Illinois Bans Semiautomatic Gun Sales, Legal Challenge Expected

January 12, 2023

Illinois has banned the sale of many common kinds of semiautomatic guns with immediate effect in response to a massacre at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park last year and other mass shootings.

The new law, which Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed on Tuesday evening, bans selling many kinds of weapons that automatically load the next bullet after a shot, including semiautomatic rifles and pistols with detachable magazines. The law lists dozens of popular gun brands made by U.S. gun makers.

Rifles that hold more than 10 bullets and pistols that hold more than 15 are also banned, as are rapid-fire attachments and .50-caliber guns. People who already own such weapons will be able to keep them but must register them with state police.

Eight other states and the District of Columbia have already enacted similar bans. Gun-owners' rights groups say the bans violate the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment "right to keep and bear arms" and that many law-abiding Americans have such guns for self-defense, hunting and for sport.

"No Illinoisan, no matter their zip code, should have to go through life fearing their loved one could be the next in an ever-growing list of victims of mass shootings," Pritzker, a Democrat, said in a statement.

In signing the bill, he invoked the attack on the July 4 parade in Highland Park last year, in which a man with a semiautomatic rifle killed seven people and wounded dozens of others over the course of a few minutes.

Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association, said the law affects nearly 2.5million gun owners in the state and his group would sue to reverse the ban. "Challenge accepted," his statement said.

Brady, a national group advocating against gun violence, said the ban would save lives.

Source: Reuters
Image: Pexels

THE METRO BUSINESS

Insider Tips for Excelling in MSBM’s Online Courses

Strategies for Success: MSBM’s Business Management Insights

Nations are vying to join the BRICS group, according to South Africa, as Russia assumes leadership.

AI-Driven Business Transformation: A Project Management Perspective.

Illinois Bans Semiautomatic Gun Sales, Legal Challenge Expected

Top Stories

DUP has reached an agreement with the UK government to reinstate power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Global Trade at Risk: The Implications of Red Sea Ship Attacks on Consumer Goods

UK to lend back Ghana's stolen 'crown jewels,' announces Asante Gold.

Colombia seeks international aid, declaring a wildfire disaster.

Related Posts

Gun Sales In The US Dropped Last Month. Here’s Why

Queen Elizabeth II's Coffin Carried On 123-Year-Old Gun Carriage

US Tornadoes: Tornadoes Devastate Kentucky, Biden Reaches Out To Affected US States

Republican Senate Gun Negotiator Walks Out Of Talks

Courses you might like

Professional Certificate in Legal And Ethical Requirements Of Human Resources Policies

Professional Certificate Course in Legal Considerations in E-Commerce Licencing and Sales

Professional Certificate Course in Socio-economic Rights Economic Crisis and Legal Doctrine