Federal Appeals Court Upholds Illinois Assault Weapons Ban

A federal appeals court on Thursday upheld Illinois' ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit reversed a district court decision that had declared the restrictions unconstitutional. The decision addressed the Protect IL Communities Act, which criminalizes the manufacture, sale, delivery, purchase, and possession of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.

A grandfather clause allows preexisting lawful owners to keep the items.

The majority held that the restrictions on AR-15s and thirty-round rifle magazines are consistent with the nation's tradition of firearm regulation. The panel stated that the decision whether to adopt such measures rests with elected representatives.

Chief Judge Michael Brennan dissented. He wrote that the nation's traditions forbid governments from prohibiting firearms commonly owned for self-defense and that the AR-15 rifle and its magazine are protected by the Second Amendment.

State Officials Respond Illinois Gov.

JB Pritzker said the ruling is a victory in the fight to end gun violence. State Attorney General Kwame Raoul stated the decision enhances public safety and praised attorneys in his office for defending the prohibition.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation said it plans to file a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court. The group is a plaintiff in the case. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice filed separate lawsuits against California and Virginia over their gun law restrictions.