Pritzker, Democratic leaders respond to critics of Illinois assault weapon registry

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Anyone caught with an unregistered assault weapon after January 1 will face a Class A misdemeanor. Gun owners across the state believe they shouldn't become felons if they choose not to register their firearms or attachments.

The Protect Illinois Communities Act has banned people from purchasing, selling, manufacturing or delivering assault weapons and high capacity magazines in the state since January. People who own assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50 caliber rifles or .50 caliber cartridges are required to register them through their FOID card account by the end of this year.

"You should be able and free to go to a parade and not get shot at and not have 83 bullets fired in 60 seconds or less," Gov. JB Pritzker said Thursday. "That's all we're asking. We're not taking guns away from people. We're not limiting your freedom."

Yet, many gun owners and Republican lawmakers feel the assault weapon registry is infringing on their Second Amendment rights. Illinois State Police are trying to help people understand the registration process and address concerns during public hearings across the state. 

"I want to be clear that we know this public hearing is taking place because of the governor and his radical left agenda," said Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville). "He and his Democratic legislators passed this bill and then laid it at your feet to have to deal with it. I support law enforcement unapologetically and we know this is not your fault." 

The Illinois Freedom Caucus told ISP officials Thursday that Democratic leaders should expect most gun owners will ignore the law. 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield), the law's lead sponsor, told reporters Thursday he understands that people may be hesitant about the new registry or prefer to sell their assault weapons to someone out of state.

"I also expect that number to increase as people recognize that they want to be law-abiding citizens and they want to be consistent with state law," Morgan said. "They will register their existing legacy weapons. Otherwise, they're risking their FOID card."

The U.S. District Court of Appeals in Chicago upheld the assault weapon ban on a 2-1 vote Friday. The ruling rejects the argument that the Protect Illinois Communities Act violates the Second Amendment.

"This ruling is a huge win for anyone committed to reducing gun violence," Morgan said. "With the 7th Circuit upholding the Protect Illinois Communities Act, this common-sense gun reform law continues in full force despite the efforts of the gun lobby."

Nearly 2,500 FOID cardholders have submitted information about their assault weapons and attachments to the Illinois State Police since the registry opened last month. That only accounts for roughly a tenth of a percent of FOID cardholders in the state.

Pritzker noted that the vast majority of gun owners in Illinois don't have assault weapons. Still, the governor said he understands that people may be taking their time to register the firearms and attachments.

"We expect there to be more and more people as we get closer to the deadline which is the end of the year to do so," Pritzker said. "People that don't, at some point, they will be breaking the law."

While people who don't register their assault weapons could face a Class A misdemeanor for their first offense, anyone caught multiple times with an unregistered weapon will be charged with a Class 3 felony. 

Illinois gun lobby groups will likely appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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