SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois lawmakers are renewing calls to get guns out of the hands of dangerous people following multiple domestic-related shootings in the state over the past week. Sponsors and advocates want to protect domestic violence survivors by taking guns away from abusers.
Joliet police confirmed Wednesday that seven people found shot to death over the weekend were related to the suspected shooter. A separate man shot and killed his wife and three daughters in south suburban Tinley Park Sunday.Â
Survivors of domestic violence can currently ask for 18 different remedies when they seek an order of protection. One of those options requires the abuser's gun to be confiscated, and their FOID card is automatically suspended. Although, the firearms are too often transferred to someone else with a valid FOID card in the home.
"This bill strengthens and clarifies the law to give clear guidance to domestic violence survivors, judges and law enforcement on how to apply for the firearm remedy, how judges can grant it and what law enforcement must do to remove a firearm once granted," said Amanda Pyron, Executive Director of the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence.
The Illinois House passed a gun control omnibus bill with these changes in May, but the bill stalled in the Senate. Weeks later, Chicagoan Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter Daniela were shot and killed by her husband shortly after she filed an order of protection against him. Their son Manny was also injured in the shooting.
"It's enraging and utterly devastating to think that if an adequate policy would've been in place, Karina and Daniela could possibly still be here today," said Karina's cousin Monica Alvarez. "How many more years must pass before lawmakers see time is of the essence?"
Under Karina's Bill, police could be responsible for removing guns within 48 hours after an order of protection is granted. Sponsors told reporters Wednesday that law enforcement are critical in keeping survivors and their families safe.
"We know that the risk of intimate partner homicide increases 500% when abusers have access to a gun," said Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia). "We know that leaving a domestic violence relationship is the most dangerous time for survivors and their children."
The risk of intimate partner homicides increase 500% when abusers have access to a gun, according to The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence.
Democrats stress that they are committed to getting the bill passed and signed by Gov. JB Pritzker this spring. Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) said she thinks about Karina's son Manny every day.
"I'm pissed off that we continue to have conversations about gun violence and people prefer to keep guns in the hands of abusers and people who should not have guns," Villanueva said.
Republican lawmakers previously said they were concerned this plan could be an unfunded mandate for law enforcement. Yet, sponsors and advocates said law enforcement could partner with federally licensed dealers to store the guns instead of holding the firearms in police stations.Â
Research conducted by The Network in 2021 found that roughly 11,000 people in Illinois had their FOID cards revoked. Yet, only 4,000 of those Illinoisans filed the official paperwork with Illinois State Police to confirm their guns were transferred to another valid FOID card holder.
"We cannot afford to delay passing Karina's bill any longer," said Yolanda Androzzo, Executive Director of One Aim Illinois. "Lives are on the line, and unfortunately more have been killed in the recent months under the same circumstances. Karina's bill is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and peace of mind for survivors."
Multiple lawmakers said they would like to see Pritzker publicly support Karina's bill as soon as possible. A spokesperson for the Pritzker administration said the governor will thoroughly review any bill that passes the General Assembly and reaches his desk.
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