Divided Federal Court Upholds Illinois Ban on ‘Assault Weapons’

Split ruling could go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

An AR-15 rifle at FT3 tactical shooting range in Stanton, Calif., on May 3, 2021. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

A divided U.S. appeals court on Nov. 3 found Illinois’ new ban on “assault weapons” likely does not run afoul of the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment.

The prohibition on buying, selling, and owning some semiautomatic guns, including AR-15s, was signed into law by Democrat Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in January. Almost immediately, groups and individuals who said it was illegal brought legal challenges.