The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) says gun owners have run out of legal options after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Illinois’ ban on carrying concealed firearms on mass transit, even for those with concealed carry permits. The case, Schoenthal v. Raoul, questioned the constitutionality of the state’s prohibition. While a district judge found the law unconstitutional, an appeals court disagreed—and the Supreme Court’s decision not to review leaves the ban in place.
“We are very disappointed by the Court’s decision, especially since law-abiding public transportation riders in Illinois are less safe as a result of the law,” said attorney David Sigale, who represents the plaintiffs. He added that groups like the ISRA will continue to fight for Second Amendment rights through legislative, political, and future legal efforts.
ISRA’s Richard Pearson noted that while this legal avenue is now closed, the Supreme Court is considering other cases, such as Wolford v. Lopez from Hawaii, which also addresses firearm restrictions in public spaces and transportation. Meanwhile, gun owners are closely watching the Illinois General Assembly for potential new legislation, including a possible ban on handguns that can be converted from semi-automatic to fully automatic. Pearson criticized such measures, saying they unfairly burden law-abiding gun owners. The ISRA will host Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (I-GOLD) next Wednesday, April 15, in Springfield. The annual event, which draws gun rights supporters from around the state, will begin at 10 a.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center, followed by a march to the State Capitol for a rally.
For more information about I-GOLD, visit ISRA.org.