Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alongside District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, has spearheaded a coalition of 18 attorneys general to file an amicus brief supporting Maryland in two legal challenges. The cases, Kipke v. Moore and Novotny v. Moore, contest Maryland's restrictions on carrying firearms in sensitive areas.
The brief submitted by Raoul calls for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to affirm the constitutionality of Maryland’s Gun Safety Act of 2023 and related regulations. It highlights that "the Supreme Court has consistently recognized that the Second Amendment does not preclude states from enacting reasonable regulations to protect communities from gun violence."
Raoul stated, “States have the right to enact reasonable restrictions on where firearms can and cannot be carried in public spaces.” He emphasized his commitment to working with fellow attorneys general for "commonsense solutions" addressing gun violence.
Maryland law restricts firearm possession at various locations such as museums, healthcare facilities, schools, government buildings, and places selling alcohol for on-site consumption. There are exceptions for active or retired law enforcement officers, private property owners who consent to firearms on their premises, authorized security personnel, and individuals transporting guns securely in vehicles with a permit.
The brief argues that these restrictions align with historical and current laws nationwide aimed at limiting firearm presence in high-risk areas and around vulnerable groups. It also defends property owners' rights by allowing them control over firearms on their properties.
Attorney General Raoul continues efforts against gun violence through initiatives like Illinois' Crime Gun Connect database and collaborations with local law enforcement on gun trafficking issues. His office also promotes awareness of Illinois’ red flag law and prosecutes fraudulent FOID card applications.
Raoul's office partners with the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) for training sessions aimed at preventing targeted acts of violence among community members including educators and religious leaders.
In addition to state-level advocacy against 3D-printed guns and ghost guns—now banned under Illinois law—Raoul’s office is involved in federal court cases defending recent regulatory changes closing loopholes related to these weapons. Nationally, he succeeded in revoking a federal firearms license from an arms manufacturer through litigation.
Supporting victims service providers across Illinois is another focus area for Raoul’s office through its Crime Victim Services Division which administers various programs aiding crime survivors.
Joining Raoul and Schwalb in filing this brief were attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont Washington.