Seventh Circuit Upholds Illinois Semiautomatic Weapons Ban, Reversing Lower Court

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on Thursday upheld Illinois' ban on semiautomatic weapons and large-capacity magazines in a 2-1 decision. The ruling reverses a 2024 lower court decision that had declared the Protect Illinois Communities Act unconstitutional.

The majority opinion stated that the restrictions align with the nation's tradition of firearm regulation. It also cited evidence linking assault weapons and large-capacity magazines to greater harm. The law, signed in 2023, prohibits AR-15 rifles and similar guns along with certain attachments.

The measure followed a July 4, 2022, shooting at a parade in a Chicago suburb that killed seven people and injured more than three dozen. County sheriffs had refused to enforce the law, and gun owners filed lawsuits against it. Illinois officials appealed the lower court ruling the same day it was issued and obtained a stay of the injunction.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said the decision is a victory in the fight to end gun violence. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the ruling enhances public safety and that assault weapons have no place in communities.

The dissent argued that commonly owned firearms for self-defense are protected by the Second Amendment. The National Shooting Sports Foundation said it is disappointed and plans to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.

The Supreme Court announced last month that it will consider whether semiautomatic rifle bans violate the Second Amendment and is expected to hear related appeals in the fall.