In response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on House Bill 5471, the Protect Illinois Communities Act, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“For far too long, communities across our state and nation have felt the scourge of gun violence in their everyday lives – including our children. With this provision in place, we’re sending a message to the people across our state that we will not tolerate weapons of war flooding our communities, killing our neighbors, family and children.

“There is no reason these weapons should be available for any reason other than for trained law enforcement and military officers to uphold public safety. As a parent, I want to see my children live and grow up without the fear of mass shootings at school or in their communities. Moving forward with the implementation of this law moves us closer to that world.”

To read the Illinois Supreme Court’s full opinion, click here.