Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul emphasized the importance of the state’s gun ban, especially in light of the recent attempted assassination of former President Trump. He pointed out that such incidents underscore the need to maintain the ban. Raoul made these remarks during a discussion at the City Club of Chicago.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has previously commented that Illinois’ gun ban is “highly suspect” because it broadly prohibits common semiautomatic firearms used for lawful purposes. However, Raoul questioned whether the Second Amendment protects the right to own AR-15s, suggesting that these weapons are more suitable for war than for everyday use.
Raoul highlighted that modern AR-15s have a lethality that the framers of the Constitution likely did not anticipate. He argued that the framers probably did not envision people carrying such powerful weapons near schoolyards, presidential rallies, and other public places.
Despite challenges, the Supreme Court has declined to hear cases against the Illinois ban until appeals courts make their final judgments. This decision has led some to misinterpret the Supreme Court’s stance, but Raoul clarified that his office will continue to defend the state’s prohibition on semiautomatic rifles.
Raoul also discussed his office’s efforts to curb illegal firearms through the Crime Gun Connect platform, which aims to identify the sources of illegal guns. He pointed out that most mass shootings and day-to-day shootings do not involve guns that are legally purchased. Instead, the focus should be on cracking down on gun trafficking and straw purchases, which are critical in preventing frequent mass shootings.
Raoul further mentioned that he would support any initiatives by the General Assembly to improve the reporting of lost and stolen weapons. Enhancing these reporting mechanisms could help in reducing the number of illegal firearms on the streets.
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In summary, Attorney General Kwame Raoul remains committed to defending Illinois’ gun ban. He believes that the recent violent incidents and the inherent dangers of AR-15s validate the need for such regulations. Through ongoing efforts to tackle illegal gun trafficking and support for better reporting systems, Raoul aims to enhance public safety and prevent future tragedies.
