For Immediate Release
July 2, 2024
CHICAGO – The Gun Violence Prevention PAC (G-PAC) of Illinois today welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court decision to deny further review of the Illinois ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, in which G-PAC played a critical role in passing along with state leaders, survivors and advocates.
John Schmidt, G-PAC Executive Board member and former U.S. Associate Attorney General, issued the following statement in response to today’s decision:
“The Supreme Court action means the protection of Illinois citizens from assault weapons and large capacity magazines will remain in effect. That’s good news for all of us.
“The Court’s action follows its rejection two weeks ago, by an 8-1 majority, of Justice Clarence Thomas’ view that gun regulations today must directly match precedents of past centuries. The Court said we look to underlying principles to determine constitutionality of gun regulations today.
“Judge Diane Wood’s opinion for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals said the Illinois law follows the long-established principle that we can limit to the military and law enforcement extremely dangerous weapons not designed or needed for civilian self-defense. That correct conclusion now stands as we go forward with continued enforcement of the Illinois law.
“The Court’s action today is another positive sign that Second Amendment rights do not conflict with sensible gun laws that protect the public against criminal violence.”