Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a statement today in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision denying petitions seeking the court's review of several cases challenging the Protect Illinois Communities Act.
"With today's Supreme Court decision, the Protect Illinois Communities Act remains the law of the land, and my office will continue to vigorously defend its constitutionality as litigation returns to the lower courts," Raoul said. "Assault weapons were designed for military use, and Illinois residents can be assured the Protect Illinois Communities Act will help prevent these weapons of war from being used to cause devastation in our schools, places of worship, and recreation spaces. The law is an important part of what must be a multifaceted approach to addressing gun violence, and I am pleased it remains in effect in Illinois."
Raoul emphasized his office's commitment to combatting gun violence through various measures. "The Attorney General’s office is unwavering in our commitment to a comprehensive approach to combatting gun violence, which includes working through the courts to not just defend the constitutionality of the assault weapons ban but also prosecuting gun traffickers and preventing those who are ineligible from possessing guns."
Raoul highlighted additional efforts undertaken by his office: "For instance, we created a state-of-the-art crime-gun tracing database and are holding bad actors in the industry accountable. We have partnered with federal law enforcement agencies to host trainings on behavioral threat assessment that are intended to help prevent mass casualty events in schools, places of worship, and other public places. We also work with local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to increase awareness of Illinois’ red flag law."
He also addressed support for survivors of gun violence: "We know that without access to trauma-informed care, too many survivors of gun violence can end up as perpetrators of violence. That is why my office works tirelessly to ensure that survivors and their families know how to access resources that will support them on their paths to emotional and physical recovery."
"In Illinois," Raoul concluded, "we are addressing gun violence in a comprehensive way, and I will continue to use every tool available to protect our children and communities from the trauma of gun violence."