California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 19 attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in support of Cook County, Illinois' assault weapons ban. The brief, submitted in the case Viramontes v. County of Cook, urges the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court's ruling that the law aligns with the Second Amendment.
"As part of our ongoing commitment to stand behind commonsense gun safety measures for all Americans, we urge the court to uphold Cook County’s ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines," said Attorney General Bonta. "States and local governments play an essential role in promoting public safety, and that role must include combating threats of mass shootings and senseless gun violence. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to defend these life-saving public safety measures and to ensure cities, counties, and states have the means to protect their residents."
The coalition argues that the lower court's ruling is consistent with the text of the Second Amendment and the nation's historical tradition of limiting access to particularly dangerous weapons and accessories not commonly used for self-defense. They assert that Cook County's restrictions are in line with historical measures taken by states and fall within state and local authority to regulate firearms.
California has been a leader among states enacting laws concerning the use, purchase, transfer, or possession of firearms and firearm accessories. These laws aim to promote safety, prevent crime, and minimize gun violence within their borders.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized his commitment by defending California’s gun-safety laws including its assault weapons ban and restrictions on large-capacity magazines. He also highlighted efforts such as educating the public through the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and advocating for stronger federal laws against ghost guns.
Furthermore, Bonta detailed actions like seizing guns from prohibited persons through multiagency sweeps in areas like Los Angeles County and ending illegal firearm sales through litigation against ghost gun retailers.
Joining Attorney General Bonta in filing the brief are attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
A copy of the brief can be found here.