POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsThe Center Square — IllinoisJuly 2, 2026United States

Governor Pritzker Defends Illinois Semiautomatic Weapons Ban Amid Supreme Court Review

Governor J.B. Pritzker is defending the state's 2023 ban on semiautomatic weapons following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear a challenge to a similar local ordinance in Cook County. The governor cited the 2022 Highland Park shooting as a primary justification for the state's current restrictions.

gun controlsecond amendmentsupreme courtlegislationpublic safety
Read the full story at The Center Square — Illinois

Why It Matters

The U.S. Supreme Court's review of the Cook County case, Viramontes v. Cook County, could determine the legal validity of Illinois' statewide ban on s, with a final ruling expected by June 2027.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Viramontes v. Cook County, a case challenging a local ban on semiautomatic weapons.
  • Governor Pritzker signed a statewide ban on semiautomatic weapons in 2023.
  • Cook County has maintained a local ban on semiautomatic weapons since 1993.
  • A ruling on the Viramontes v. Cook County case is not expected until June 2027.
  • During the July 4, 2022, Highland Park parade shooting, seven people died and dozens were injured.
  • Governor Pritzker stated that 48 people were shot during the Highland Park incident.
  • The governor's office is assisting the Illinois Attorney General in the legal defense of the state's ban.

Who's Mentioned

personGreg Bishop“Reporter for The Center Square.”personJ.B. Pritzker“Governor of Illinois defending the state's weapons ban.”personSean Reed“Contributor to the story.”locationCook County“Jurisdiction with a semiautomatic weapons ban in place since 1993.”locationHighland Park“Site of the July 4, 2022, mass shooting.”organizationU.S. Supreme Court“The court currently reviewing challenges to semiautomatic weapon bans.”personAlan Gottlieb“Founder of the Second Amendment Foundation.”otherViramontes v. Cook County“The specific legal case being reviewed by the Supreme Court.”organizationSecond Amendment Foundation“Organization challenging weapon bans.”