The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to block Illinois’ ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
A gun shop owner and a gun rights group petitioned for emergency relief, arguing the law violates the Second Amendment. The court denied the request without comment, keeping the law in place for now.
Illinois enacted the ban after a mass shooting in Highland Park on July 4, 2022, which killed seven. Signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the law prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of assault weapons, .50 caliber rifles, high-capacity magazines, and devices that increase firing speed.
Lower courts upheld the law, and the plaintiffs argue this ruling was erroneous and infringes on constitutional rights. Illinois countered that the plaintiffs failed to meet legal standards for emergency relief.
The Supreme Court is also reviewing a separate gun-related case expected to conclude by June.
