CHICAGO (WAND) - Attorney General Kwame Raoul has filed a lawsuit with a coalition of 16 attorneys general against the Trump administration for its decision to stop enforcing federal laws that prohibit the distribution and possession of forced reset triggers (FRTs), which convert semi-automatic firearms into machine guns.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Maryland, asserts that the redistribution of FRTs violates federal law and poses a threat to public safety, particularly as FRTs have been linked to rising gun violence and mass shootings.
Raoul emphasizes that FRTs remain illegal under Illinois law and outlines the dangers posed by machine gun conversion devices, noting their increasing presence at crime scenes.
The lawsuit seeks to prevent the federal government from redistributing these devices, highlighting that such actions could aid violations of state laws.
In addition to the lawsuit, Raoul's office has implemented initiatives like the Crime Gun Connect database to enhance crime gun tracing efforts in Illinois and supports various programs for victims of violent crime.
Raoul's legislative efforts also focus on regulating 3D-printed guns, ghost guns, and addressing gaps in Illinois' firearms licensing system.
“The Trump administration’s decision to redistribute devices that convert firearms into machine guns is extreme and would have a devastating effect on the safety of communities across our country. Federal law bans these devices, and this settlement does not change the law,” Raoul said. “Illinois law is also clear: Forced reset triggers are unlawful. I will continue to enforce the ban on forced reset triggers under Illinois law, and I will advocate against any policy that will contribute to the gun violence that has become common in too many communities in Illinois and across the nation.”
Joining Raoul in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
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