Illinois' ban on semiautomatic weapons is overturned by a US judge; governor vows to quickly challenge the decision.

On Friday, a federal judge overturned Illinois' ban on semiautomatic weapons, citing recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that interpret the Second Amendment right to keep and bear firearms strictly.

A decree issued by U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn contains a lengthy finding that applies universally, not just to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging the ban.

The Protect Illinois Communities Act, signed into law in January 2023 by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, prohibits the use of AR-15 rifles and similar firearms, large-capacity magazines, and a variety of attachments, primarily in response to the 2022 Fourth of July parade shooting in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.

McGlynn’s order doesn’t take effect for 30 days.

"McGlynn, appointed by President Trump, wrote that some people want to establish a post-Constitution era where individual rights are only important to the ruling class. He argued that the phrase "no right is absolute" does not mean that fundamental rights are at the mercy of government officials or judges."

Pritzker and Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul pledged to swiftly appeal the ruling.

Although some prioritize weapons of war over public safety, this law has safeguarded Illinoisans from the constant fear of being shot in places where they should feel secure, as stated by Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough.

The Illinois State Rifle Association's legislative team attempted to inform lawmakers of the constitutional issues with Pritzker's plan.

The ruling today confirms our legislative stance and demonstrates our commitment to defending the rights of the millions of law-abiding firearms owners in Illinois.