In a historic event, Illinois became the most recent US state in ban sale or possession of assault weaponseither.
The “Illinois Protecting Communities Act” prohibits assault weaponsincluding some semi-automatic firearmsas well as high-capacity magazines and rapid-fire devices.
After passing in both houses of the Illinois General Assembly, Governor JB Pritzker signed the new law accompanied by supporters, some of whom were survivors of gun violence.
The signing ceremony took place during a ceremony held at the State Capitol in Springfield, where cheers went up as the governor signed the bill which is added to those approved in the same sense in other states.
Now Nine US states, as well as Washington, DC, now prohibit the sale or possession of military-type weapons.
“For a long time, I and many other leaders in the Illinois General Assembly have prioritized take the most dangerous weapons off the streets of our state,” Pritzker said in a statement.
The governor added: ”Today, honoring the commitment we made, we passed one of the strongest assault weapons bans of the nation, one I will be proud to sign.”
For her part, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said that President Joe Biden “praises Illinois leadership …and the many advocates, survivors, and elected officials whose tireless efforts turned the pain of Highland Park and other acts of gun violence into meaningful action on behalf of all Illinoisans.”
As reported by the Illinois State Rifle Associationprohibition affects nearly 2.5 million homeowners firearm laws in the state.
“Challenge accepted,” ISRA executive director Richard Pearson said in a statement, responding to the ban. “The Illinois State Rifle Association will face the State of Illinois in court“.
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Source: La Opinion
