Judge McGlynn Blocks Illinois' Assault Weapons Ban as Unconstitutional; Governor Pledges Appeal

Nov 8, 2024, 11:03 PM

A federal judge in Illinois, U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn, has issued a permanent injunction blocking the state's ban on semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, declaring the law an "unconstitutional affront to the Second Amendment." The law, known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), was adopted after a gunman killed seven people at a 2022 Independence Day parade. The ruling is stayed for 30 days to allow for the appeal process. The decision consolidated cases brought by Gun Owners of America, the Gun Foundation, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and others, and was issued from the U.S. District Court in East St. Louis. Governor J.B. Pritzker has pledged a swift appeal.