Supreme Court Accepts Request for Emergency Injunction in Gun Rights Case

In January, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed new gun legislation that would ban certain “assault weapons” and specific ammunition.

The law immediately went into effect when it was signed by Pritzker.

That legislation has since been challenged, with Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett agreeing to hear arguments regarding an injunction until the case plays out in the courts.

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The new legislation has crippled small business owners in Illinois.

The suit was initially filed by Robert Bevis, who owns a gun shop in Naperville. He was initially suing the city, but the lawsuit was later amended to include the state.

The lawsuit has since been joined by the National Association for Gun Rights.

The suit seeks an injunction against the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which is the legislation we referred to above that was signed in January.

If permitted to stay in place, the ban will forbid ownership of all AR/AK-style rifles in the state.

Those who already own the weapons must file with the state for permission to keep the weapon. They must file their data by January 1, 2024, or risk further penalty.

The plaintiffs in the case were excited that Barrett not only agreed to hear the case but also in her wording when putting the state on the clock to justify why the injunction should be denied.

Representing Bevis, National Foundation for Gun Rights Executive Director Hannah Hill, stated, “The fact that she’s asked for a briefing, that she’s turned to Illinois and Naperville and said ‘now give me your best arguments for why we should not grant this relief.’

“That’s hugely encouraging.”

The state must now present its argument by Wednesday.