Deadline missed: State Rifle Association, Bailey share frustration over assault weapon registry

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The deadline for Illinois gun owners to register their assault weapons and attachments has come and gone. However, many people are still confused about the law and a former state lawmaker is encouraging people to not comply.

29,357 people registered their assault weapons before the state's January 1 deadline. Information about 68,992 firearms and 42,830 attachments was submitted to the Illinois State Police.

Still, leaders from the Illinois State Rifle Association said they have received hundreds of phone calls and emails from people asking for recommendations regarding the registration process.

"Like you, we remain frustrated that the law was so poorly written that the governor and his Illinois State Police can't answer simple straight-forward questions," said ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson.

Meanwhile, former Republican lawmaker and GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey said he will die on his porch before he gives up his guns. The downstate congressional candidate is now sharing photos and a video on social media stating that he won't comply with the assault weapon registry.

"A lot of people have been asking me if I'm going to comply with JB's illegal gun registry," Bailey said in a campaign video released Monday. "Well friends, here's your answer."

The video shows Bailey shooting multiple guns while aiming at a target with the words "I will not comply."

Former Illinois lawmaker Darren Bailey is seen shooting multiple assault weapons in a campaign video released January 1, 2024.
Bailey Congressional Campaign

Meanwhile, the Illinois State Rifle Association is preparing an appeal for the U.S. Supreme Court to find the entire law unconstitutional.

The top committee of state lawmakers could approve the final rules regarding the assault weapon registry on January 16.

In response to questions following the registry deadline, the Illinois State Police said violations of the Protect Illinois Communities Act are violations of the Illinois Criminal Code and will be addressed accordingly.

"As with any violation of the law, law enforcement authorities will work with State's Attorneys on search warrants and charges and the circuit court system will determine penalties pursuant to the Act," stated ISP spokesperson Melaney Arnold.