Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel both came out strong Wednesday in support of gun control, with Quinn lobbying for an assault weapons ban and Emanuel criticizing a federal court decision turning aside a long-standing ban on concealed guns.
Emanuel even offered legal help to Attorney General Lisa Madigan, as she decides whether to appeal the case, according to the
Chicago Tribune.
The federal court gave the state six months to revise its law to allow some form of concealed carry. Quinn suggested that any new rules should restrict who can get a gun permit, including bans on people with mental health challenges, domestic violence records, or other criminal activities. He also called for a ban on assault weapons, saying it has "overwhelming" support from state residents
A state ban on assault weapons, however, could be difficult to obtain in the state. Opponents say Chicago has had city ordinance banning such guns for decades, but criminals are still able to obtain them.
Emanuel, who has offered to make Chicago’s law and police department resources available to Madigan if needed to help with the appeal, says his administration will review the city's own gun ordinance to ensure it meets the requirements laid out in the court ruling.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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