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Prairie State Wire

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Justice Department backs challenge to Illinois firearm ban

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Richard A. Pearson, Executive Director | ISRA website

Richard A. Pearson, Executive Director | ISRA website

Late last week, the U.S. Justice Department submitted an amicus brief to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, backing a challenge against Illinois' ban on commonly owned firearms. The Department argues that these bans infringe upon the Second Amendment, aligning with a position long held by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA).

“This historic and unprecedented move is welcomed news,” stated ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson. He emphasized that the ISRA remains committed to opposing Governor Pritzker and anti-gun legislators in Springfield on behalf of 2.5 million responsible firearms owners in Illinois.

The ISRA has been actively working to ensure that the Trump administration, particularly the Justice Department, addresses what they view as unconstitutional actions by Illinois' leaders against Second Amendment rights.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon expressed support for this stance over social media, stating, “The Second Amendment is not a second-class right. See you in Court, Illinois.”

Currently, the ISRA is involved as a named plaintiff in two cases and supports five additional cases related to constitutional issues affecting gun owners in Illinois.

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