![Southern Illinois judge temporarily blocks assault weapons ban Southern Illinois judge temporarily blocks assault weapons ban](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img-INJUNCTION-4zfxTy.png)
Southern Illinois judge temporarily blocks assault weapons ban
By PETER HANCOCK
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – A federal judge in East St. Louis issued an order Friday blocking enforcement of Illinois’ ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines until a lawsuit challenging the law is resolved.
Judge Stephen P. McGlynn, of the Southern District of Illinois, said the law known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, or PICA, is likely to be found unconstitutional when the case goes to trial and the plaintiffs in the consolidated cases will suffer harms without a preliminary injunction to block its enforcement.
In a 29-page opinion, McGlynn acknowledged that the law was passed in the wake of a mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park last year. But he said the “senseless crimes of a relative few” cannot be used to justify abridging the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
Citing a U.S. Supreme Court case that was decided less than two weeks before the Highland Park shooting, New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, he said the Constitution guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms for self-defense.
“More specifically, can PICA be harmonized with the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and with Bruen?” McGlynn asked rhetorically in the opinion. “That is the issue before this Court. The simple answer at this stage in the proceedings is ‘likely no.’”
McGlynn’s decision came less than a week after another federal judge, Lindsay Jenkins, of the Northern District of Illinois, reached an opposite conclusion and denied a motion to halt enforcement of the law. Plaintiffs in that case have indicated they intend to appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
The law prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of more than 190 different types of firearms as well as many types of grips, stocks and attachments. It also bans large-capacity magazines like the ones used by the accused Highland Park shooter that enabled him to fire off more than 70 shots in just a few minutes.
Based on other recent U.S. Supreme Court cases, McGlynn said the state needed to show that the items being banned are not in “common use” and that they are the types of firearms that have been regulated historically.
The state argued that the law is consistent with historical tradition because neither assault weapons nor large-capacity magazines were in common use when the Second and 14th Amendments were ratified. But McGlynn said that argument was “bordering on the frivolous” because the Supreme Court has said the Second Amendment extends even to firearms that did not exist when the Constitution was drafted.
He also noted that Friday’s ruling was not a final resolution of the case, but he said the state has other means available to address the issue of gun violence.
“There is a wide array of civil and criminal laws that permit the commitment and prosecution of those who use or may use firearms to commit crimes,” he wrote. “Law enforcement and prosecutors should take their obligations to enforce these laws seriously. Families and the public at large should report concerning behavior. Judges should exercise their prudent judgment in committing individuals that pose a threat to the public and imposing sentences that punish, not just lightly inconvenience, those guilty of firearm-related crimes.”
Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office issued a brief statement late Friday: “We plan to file an appeal and remain committed to defending the constitutionality of the Protect Illinois Communities Act.”
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
Local News
![PeggyZabicki Peggy Zabicki](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PeggyZabicki-1024x768.jpg)
School’s out, but learning is still in
Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . School is out for the summer, but this does not mean that our youngsters have been idle. The Los Youth Organization will be unveiling their mural located at the West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd…
![reporter 6-5-24 hills 2023 farmers market Hills Chamber of Commerce members, Art Golden and Phyllis Majka on opening day of the Hills Farmers Market in 2023. (File photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reporter-6-5-24-hills-2023-farmers-market-768x1024.jpg)
Hills Farmers Market to open at 8 a.m. Friday
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam The Hills Farmers Market is bringing more and offering unique experiences this year. The Hills Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hickory Hills have joined forces this year, pooling their resources and ideas to create an annual farmers market at 8653 W. 95th Street. The market will be held…
![reporter biz 6-4-24 smoothie ribbon photo 6-6 Owner Rosa Prieto prepares to cut the ribbon and is encouraged by co-owner and husband, Jaime Prieto, to her left, for the Healthy and Delicious Smoothie Spot grand opening in Oak Lawn on May 29. They are joined by Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce members and in back (from left) Steve Loulousis, president of the Oak Lawn Parks Foundation; Mayor Terry Vorderer, and behind Rosa, Natasha Miller Williams, president of the chamber. (Photos by Joe Boyle)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reporter-biz-6-4-24-smoothie-ribbon-photo-6-6-1024x683.jpg)
Comings & Goings: New business offers fresh and healthy smoothies
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Rosa Prieto had been considering opening a business that provides refreshing drinks and food but was waiting for the right time. For Rosa and her husband, Jaime Prieto, that time has arrived. The Healthy and Delicious Smoothie Spot, 10408 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, officially opened on March 10. Since…
![doede Jennifer Doede](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/doede.jpg)
Stagg Athletic Director earns advanced certification
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Amos Alonzo Stagg High School Athletic Director Jennifer Doede has been recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator. To earn this distinction, Doede has demonstrated exemplary knowledge, contributions, and on-going professional development in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process…
![1 Palos Heights School District 128 students achieved success at the 2024 South Cook Regional Math Bowl held at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1-9-1024x768.jpg)
2024 Math Bowl adds up to success for District 128
Spread the loveBy Kelly White If you asked first-grader Jimmy Gushurst his favorite subject, he will tell you, simply, math. However, Jimmy’s determination in the field led him to take home first place for his grade level at Palos Heights School District 128 in the 2024 South Cook Math Bowl. “Math is fun,” Jimmy, 6,…
![GSWNH_CitySnowReportCover_060724 GSWNH_CitySnowReportCover_060724](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GSWNH_CitySnowReportCover_060724.png)
Great idea or snow job?
Spread the love. SW Siders react to mayor’s winter plan . By Tim Hadac A new plan to remove snow and ice from city sidewalks was released last Friday by Mayor Brandon Johnson, prompting a range of reactions from Southwest Siders. “Any time you see a politician announce something on a Friday, quietly with no…
![regional sd118 math_bowl_1-4 Palos 118 students participated in the 2024 South Cook Math Bowl taking home three first-place awards as well as several others. First-grade to fourth-grade teams (from left) Ian McDougal, Kevin Kaufmann, Charlie O’Malley, Luke Bosack, Noah Gaw, Vladyslav Burakov, Claire Drapa, and Jacob Dubrowski. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/regional-sd118-math_bowl_1-4-1024x768.jpg)
Palos 118 teams shine at 2024 South Cook Math Bowl
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Palos School District 118 took home several awards at the 2024 South Cook Math Bowl that was held at Prairie State College in May. On day one of the event, Palos 118’s 5th/6th grade team took first place, with Brian Kaufmann placing fifth and Rhiannon Chen placing second in the sixth-grade…
![1 Orland Township and Supervisor Paul O'Grady hosted a Senior Health Fair aimed to provide free health services and information to senior citizens. The event took place on May 21 at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1-13-1024x683.jpg)
Orland Township hosts annual Senior Health Fair
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Orland Township cares about the health and welfare of its residents. The township and Supervisor Paul O’Grady hosted a Senior Health Fair aimed to provide free health services and information to senior citizens. The event took place on May 21 at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. “Our annual Senior…
![4 Timothy Rubens, of Alsip, stands proudly next to his daughter, Sascha, 18, who received a 'Choose to Include' scholarship from Special Olympics of Illinois. This is awarded to students that demonstrate commitment to building an inclusive environment within their school and community. (Supplied photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/4-708x1024.jpeg)
Sascha Rubens graduates at the top of her Shepard class
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Sascha Rubens has left quite the imprint on her former high school. Rubens become one of eight students in Illinois to receive a Choose to Include scholarship from Special Olympics of Illinois. This is awarded to students that demonstrate commitment to building an inclusive environment within their school and community.…
![SCHOFIELD Michael Schofield towers over Orland Park Pioneer football players during a June 2 ceremony. (Village of Orland Park photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SCHOFIELD.jpg)
Rainy ribbon-cutting at Schussler Park strangely appropriate
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva It was actually fitting that the Schussler Park ribbon cutting ceremony on June 1 took place during a downpour. The first phase of the face-lift of the park, it was the opening of the Michael Schofield III Sports Complex to the public and the rain not only didn’t put a…
Neighbors
![dvn 6-14-24 riot fest lineup dvn 6-14-24 riot fest lineup](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-14-24-riot-fest-lineup-819x1024.jpg)
Riot Fest abandons Chicago park for SeatGeek Stadium
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Last year, Lyrical Lemonade moved its Summer Smash hip-hop music festival from Chicago’s Douglass Park to Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium. Thousands of fans poured into the stadium at 7100 S. Harlem Ave. over the course of three days and, by most accounts, enjoyed the experience. Summer Smash returned to SeatGeek this…
![regional summerfest 2023 LOAFER SINGER Alyssa Blomberg of the group Ramzi and the Loafers, sings during a performance last year at Orland Park’s inaugural SummerFest. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/regional-summerfest-2023-LOAFER-SINGER-1024x678.jpg)
Comings & Goings: Orland Park Summerfest returns this weekend
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Back for a second go round this weekend is the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce’s Summerfest. The event combines a carnival, live music, an array of dining options and a car show, at the 153rd Street Metra Station location in Orland Park and will run from Friday, June 14,…
![dvn 6-13-24 township repair cafe for 6-15 dvn 6-13-24 township repair cafe for 6-15](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-13-24-township-repair-cafe-for-6-15-791x1024.png)
Repair Cafe this Saturday at Township of Lyons HQ
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Repair cafes have become quite the thing for the Township of Lyons. So much so that another repair cafe will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, June 15, at the township office, 6404 Joliet Road in Countryside. A repair café held in May was a smashing…
![dvn 6-13-24 arturo cantu with kids Father’s Day will be especially hard for Jonathan and Kayla, children of the late Arturo Cantu, one of his sisters said. (Supplied photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-13-24-arturo-cantu-with-kids.jpg)
‘They didn’t have to kill my brother’ – sister of slain Bridgeview man
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Arturo Cantu should be celebrating two big events this weekend. He would have celebrated his 40th birthday on June 14. And, a sister said, he would have enjoyed Father’s Day on Sunday, spending time with family and his two young children. Instead, 10 family members and friends gathered in a…
![dvn 2-26-24 sisto brito mugshot Sisto Brito](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dvn-2-26-24-sisto-brito-mugshot.bmp)
‘You just learn to live with the pain’
Spread the loveStatus hearing in July for McCook murder By Steve Metsch The attorney representing a Chicago man charged with murdering a Blue Island man in McCook in February told a judge Wednesday there’s been “a significant and outstanding discovery in this matter.” Attorney Damon Cheronis made his comment before Cook County Circuit Court Judge…
![lagrange police logo lagrange police logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/lagrange-police-logo.jpg)
Man shot in La Grange; suspect arrested in Stickney
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch A man was shot Tuesday afternoon in La Grange, according to a news release received Wednesday from the police department. A suspect has been apprehended, the release said. The shooting victim remains in stable condition at a local hospital, the release said. La Grange Police, working with the Major Case…
![Softball stock Softball stock](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/stock-softball.jpg)
Softball | Marist will play for state title for fourth straight season
Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent Marist returned to the state title game for the fourth straight season with a 7-1 victory over Mundelein in the semifinals, held June 7 at Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria. The Mustangs (36-2) were making their first appearance at state since 1996. “We have a core group of returners,”…
![dvn 6-10-24 mccook inspector retires Terrence Hickey is retiring at the end of June after working 18 years as a building inspector for the village of McCook. (Photo by Steve Metsch)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-10-24-mccook-inspector-retires-1024x955.jpg)
McCook building inspector retires after 18 years
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch After 18 years of inspecting buildings, be it a modest bi-level house or a sprawling multi-million-dollar warehouse, Terrence Hickey is retiring from the village of McCook. His retirement takes effect June 28, Mayor Terrance Carr said during the June 3 meeting of the village board. “I’m jealous,” Carr said. “(He’s…
![Summit Girl Scouts Members of Summit Girl Scout Troop 56615. (Supplied photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Summit-Girl-Scouts-1024x768.jpg)
New Summit Girl Scout troop off and running
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan There’s a new Girl Scout Troop in Summit, and they have been busy. Troop 56615 is made up of girls from Summit School District 104 from first-grade to third-grade, and between 7-9 years old, making them Brownies in the scouting world. They have 10 girls so far, and Troop Leader…