Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of Assault Weapons Ban

The Illinois State Supreme Court has ruled that a strict assault weapons ban, implemented after a mass shooting in Highland Park, is constitutional. The court rejected claims that the ban violated the equal protections clause of the 14th Amendment but did not address arguments regarding the Second Amendment. The law prohibits the purchase, sale, manufacture, delivery, and import of assault weapons, attachments, .50-caliber rifles, and cartridges. Exemptions are granted to law enforcement, military, corrections, and trained private security. Governor J.B. Pritzker praised the ruling, stating that the law aims to keep "mass killing machines" off the streets and make Illinoisans feel safe.