Gun rights supporters in Illinois are requesting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi review what they consider Second Amendment violations in state gun laws. This comes after Bondi’s recent statements defending gun rights following her investigation into California’s permit delays.
The Illinois State Rifle Association has engaged with the Trump administration on this issue. Ed Sullivan from the association welcomed potential federal intervention, stating that Illinois has some of “the most onerous states in the nation when it comes to anti-gun laws.”
Several key Illinois gun regulations remain contested in court:
The state’s ban on certain firearms
Firearm Owner’s ID card requirements
Ban on 170+ semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines (enacted January 2023)
Though a federal district judge ruled Illinois’ gun ban unconstitutional last fall, the decision is suspended pending appeal. Similar challenges exist in other states, with Maryland’s case not yet taken up by the Supreme Court and Colorado recently approving its own gun ban.
Sullivan expressed frustration with the pace of legal proceedings, noting it’s “maddening for the typical gun owner” awaiting resolution.