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ICHV Press Releases
March 19, 2008
The Supreme Court Should Allow D.C. to Keep Handgun Ban and Affirm the ‘Right’ to Regulate Firearms to Reduce Gun Violence
ICHV Calls on State Lawmakers to Press Ahead and Pass Stronger Gun Laws Despite Pending Supreme Court Case; D.C. Ruling Will Have No Immediate Effect on Chicago’s Handgun Ban Despite the Gun Lobby’s Threats
(March 17th, 2008, Chicago) – The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) said today that the Supreme Court should overturn a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling and reinstate the prohibition on handgun ownership in the District of Columbia. ICHV also stated that governments on all levels should have a ‘right’ to enact measures to reduce gun violence to make communities safer.
Regardless of how the Supreme Court rules in the case, District of Columbia v. Heller, advocates in Illinois reiterated that there will be no immediate impact to Chicago’s handgun ban. However, ICHV warned that if the Court of Appeals decision is upheld, the gun lobby will certainly target Chicago’s handgun regulations, along with other communities such as Morton Grove and Wilmette, with a sustained effort to challenge and erase gun laws in Illinois.
“If the District of Columbia’s handgun ban is overturned by the Supreme Court, this case will open the floodgates to challenge every gun control measure in the country. Even more ominous, those facing criminal charges or even those convicted of gun violations could now challenge their status on Constitutional grounds,” said Chester Kulis, a retired federal law enforcement officer, attorney and current board member of ICHV.
Despite the pending Supreme Court action the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence pressed state lawmakers to pass stronger gun laws to save lives, including Senate Bill 1007 which would prohibit the future sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and House Bill 758 which would require background checks to be conducted on all handgun purchases in Illinois.
Relative to the rest of the country, Illinois has enacted a host of effective gun violence prevention policies. Illinois mandates that residents apply for a Firearm Owner Identification Card (FOID) to possess a firearm and ammunition; state law does not preempt local municipalities and communities to enact their own gun control laws; and Illinois is one of only two states, along with Wisconsin, that prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons in public.
“There is no question that if the Supreme Court relies on longstanding precedent and the robust history of reasonable regulation of gun ownership throughout our country, the Court should overturn the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and reinstate the District’s handgun ban. The Supreme Court should affirm for once and for all that governments have the right to enact sensible gun laws to save lives and to reduce gun violence,” said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of ICHV.
February 15, 2008
Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence Response to Shootings at Northern Illinois University
(Chicago) - The following statement was released by Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
"Yesterday, our nation was stunned once again by a mass murder that occurred on the campus of Northern Illinois University. Six individuals lost their lives and many others were wounded in yet another tragedy involving guns.
"First and foremost our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their family and friends and the entire Northern Illinois community," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "No one should have to experience the horror of a gunman coming into a classroom and opening fire, and yet it appears that this is becoming an all too regular occurrence in our country.
"How many innocent victims must we lose on college campuses, in shopping malls, city halls and other public places before we say 'this is enough' and start to discuss the role that guns play in all these tragedies," Mannard continued. "We can no longer avoid the fact that guns are the common denominator in all these events, and that guns are the only type of weapon legally available in this country that can kill so many people in such a short period of time.
"The question is no longer will there be another tragedy like Northern Illinois or Virginia Tech, but instead where will it happen next. It's time for all of us in this country to stop tolerating our out of control gun culture that is causing the loss of innocent lives on a daily basis and begin a national discussion about what we can do at all levels to reduce the number of gun related tragedies," Mannard concluded.
September 6, 2007
As D.C. Appeals to Supreme Court on Local Gun Law, Cook County Circuit Court Upholds Local Ban on Military-Style Semi-Automatic Assault Weapons
Court Ruling Demonstrates Local Gun Violence Prevention Laws are Constitutional and Hands the Illinois State Rifle Association a Major Defeat
(Chicago, September 6th, 2007) - The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) praised a recent ruling in the Cook County Circuit Court that upheld a local ban on military-style, semi-automatic assault weapons.
The lawsuit, brought by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) against the Cook County Board of Commissioners, alleged that the ban on assault weapons "exceeded [the Board's] home rule authority" to enact local ordinances that are stricter than state law. But the Circuit Court ruled that Cook County had the legal and constitutional right to pass its assault weapon ban and thereby handed the ISRA a major defeat.
The Cook County Board passed the ordinance to strengthen the existing ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines late last year. The ISRA recently challenged the law, but the Circuit Court upheld the ordinance by dismissing the case.
The Cook County Court ruling strengthens the already lengthy case history of local gun control laws being upheld in Illinois, such as the infamous Morton Grove handgun ban which was passed in 1981 and upheld despite numerous attempts to remove the local ban. (Morton Grove, Illinois was the first town in the United States to pass a handgun ban).
"This recent ruling by the Circuit Court of Cook County shows that the gun lobby's strategy and legal interpretations are misguided and just plain wrong. There is simply no doubt that reasonable regulations can be placed on guns, especially assault weapons, to protect a community," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of ICHV.
"For the past several years, the gun lobby has been working hard to chip away at state and local laws around the nation that place any type of restrictions on the manufacture, sale, possession and use of firearms, including assault weapons and handguns. They have been using their lobbying dollars and political influence to work state legislatures across the country to repeal home rule laws that allow local governments, cities and counties to pass ordinances that place additional restrictions on firearms. That strategy is failing in Illinois," said Mannard.
The Cook County decision empowering local communities to pass stronger gun control laws takes on greater significance since the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-1 that a D.C. law barring residents from keeping handguns in their homes violated citizens' Second Amendment right to have guns. In dismissing decades of legal precedent and carving out an "individual" right to keep and bear arms in the case of Parker v. District of Columbia, the District is now appealing to the Supreme Court to reverse the Appellate decision and reinstate the D.C. handgun ban.
"Five Supreme Court justices should not have the ability to overturn policies that have the overwhelming support of D.C. and Chicago residents," said Mannard.
May 10, 2007
Illinois State Senate Passes Bi-Partisan Legislation to Prohibit High-Capacity Magazines
Bill Sponsored by Senator Dan Kotowski Garners Widespread Support from Both Parties
The Illinois State Senate yesterday approved legislation to protect law enforcement officers and strengthen community safety by passing Senate Bill 1007 (SB 1007). SB 1007 which was sponsored by Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and co-sponsored by Sen. John Millner (R-St. Charles) would prohibit the future sale and possession of high-capacity magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. The bi-partisan vote passed 31 to 26 and now moves to the House of Representatives. The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence called for swift passage by the House.
"This is a significant step in our efforts to reduce the lethality of firearms sold in Illinois and reduce the risk that weapons that can accept high capacity ammunition magazines pose to Illinois communities," said Thomas Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "Firearms that accept high capacity magazines have been used in several of our nation's deadliest shootings, including the Columbine shootings and the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. There is no question that high capacity magazines were a major reason why so many innocent people were killed and wounded in these incidents."
"The members of the Illinois Senate who voted for this legislation are to be commended for their willingness to work together on this measure. It should serve as a sign to the constituents in their district's that they are more concerned about their safety than pandering to a vocal minority who believe that there should be no limit on the amount of ammunition a firearm should accept," Mannard concluded. "Hopefully this vote will send a message to the House of Representatives, and they will follow the Senate's lead by passing this bill with strong bi-partisan support."
April 19, 2007
STATEMENT FROM ICHV BOARD CHAIRMAN PATRICK THOMPSON ON THE VIRGINIA TECH SHOOTINGS
We are deeply saddened by Monday?s shootings at Virginia Tech University. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost their lives and their families, as well as those who have been wounded and the entire Virginia Tech community.
As we know, this tragedy is the deadliest shooting rampage in the nation?s history. We also know ? from last fall?s tragedy in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania and from Columbine, to name just two of many examples -- that violence involving guns is far too prevalent in our culture.
Guns are a common denominator in these tragedies. We must continue to ask ?Is there something we can do to minimize gun violence in this country??
Even so, every time someone dies from a gun, there is that initial shock and horror, and you say "get rid of these guns," and then you go on with your life. I realized that if there were 30,000 people dying of gun violence at one time, you can bet we'd do something about it. But it happens one or two or five at a time - it makes the news, and then fades away into the next story. That is what has kept guns and gun violence possible.
Let?s be frank. Time and time again, we have seen politicians fail to acknowledge that guns are a major factor in these tragedies. Last fall, after the tragedy at Nickel Mines, a conference on school violence was held. There was no serious discussion at this conference about the use of guns in schools.
It is time to have a full discussion of this issue. We need to hear all sides when we talk about protecting our rights ? and keeping our country safe.
We fully realize that the gun lobby is bound to present views on this subject different than our own. We think it?s time to get to the heart of the matter, and that means having an open dialogue.
There are no easy solutions. We would be wrong to say that a law would have prevented Monday?s tragedy. But in our view, we must acknowledge that guns are part of the problem, and that there are ways to work together to minimize risk.
Yes, we can do something about the epidemic of gun violence in this county. Not only that, we must.
November 8, 2006
Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Win Big in Illinois
Proof that Illinois voters continue to support strong sensible gun laws
Candidates who support strong gun violence prevention policies were big winners last night in Illinois elections.
Governor Rod Blagojevich won re-election with almost 50 percent of the vote in a three-person race after making passage of a statewide assault weapons ban a signature issue of his campaign. Blagojevich's opponent repeatedly stated during the campaign that you couldn't define what an assault weapon is and that a rolling pin could be considered an assault weapon.
"Obviously, Illinois voters know what an assault weapon is and want a Governor who will work to get these weapons off the streets of our communities," said Thomas Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
State legislative candidates who support stronger gun laws were very successful against candidates endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA). Linda Holmes, Mike Noland and Michael Bond all defeated NRA/ISRA supported candidates for state senate seats.
And in perhaps the biggest state legislative win for gun violence prevention advocates Fred Crespo defeated incumbent Terry Parke for a seat in the House of Representatives. Crespo roundly criticized Parke during the campaign for his opposition to an assault weapons ban and support of conceal and carry.
"Illinois voters sent a strong message yesterday that they will not support candidates who choose to side with the gun lobby over the safety of our communities." stated Mannard. "The results of this election should be a sign to legislators that they better watch their votes on the gun issue in the upcoming General Assembly because voters are paying attention."
Mannard also noted that a Cook County Referendum calling for a statewide ban on the sale of assault weapons received support from 85 percent of voters in the county.
"The support out of Cook County for a statewide assault weapons ban is overwhelming, and should provide significant momentum as we renew our push to ban these weapons of war in our state next year," said Mannard.
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October 26, 2006
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg Received the Distinguished "Abraham Lincoln Award" from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence
Bloomberg Announces 109 Mayors Have Joined Bipartisan Coalition to Stop Criminal Gun Trafficking
(October 26, 2006, Chicago) - "Mayors know that illegal guns have nothing to do with the Second Amendment, and everything to do with law enforcement," said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg who visited Chicago to receive the distinguished "Abraham Lincoln Award" from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) held its 24th annual awards banquet to honor Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his political and personal courage in the fight to reduce gun violence and to stop criminal gun trafficking.
In April of this year, Bloomberg formed a bipartisan coalition with Boston's Mayor Tom Menino, that included 13 mayors such as Richard M. Daley of Chicago and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to stop criminal gun trafficking. "We set a goal of enlisting a total of 50 mayors by the end of this year. Well, a few weeks ago, we announced that we've hit 109, and we're still growing," said Bloomberg.
Bloomberg said that efforts to stop criminal gun trafficking and to reduce gun violence should not be politicized. He highlighted the diversity of the mayoral coalition which includes democrats and republicans, from big cities to small towns throughout America. "We have more than two dozen mayors from south of the Mason Dixon line, and 37 west of the Mississippi," said Bloomberg. "By working together, we can spread the most effective enforcement and litigation strategies, make a stronger push for tougher laws at the local and state level, and hold Congress's feet to the fire when they try to pass legislation that makes it easier for criminals to get their hands on guns," said Bloomberg.
"He's simply a breath of fresh air," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of ICHV in reference to the New York City Mayor. "He is well deserving of this prestigious honor, and he has almost single handily refocused the country's attention on illegal gun trafficking which continues to devastate our nation."
The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence awarded Tom Vanden Berk the "Citizen Advocacy Award" for his tireless work with survivors of gun violence. Vanden Berk, whose son was shot and killed nearly 15 years ago, received the award on behalf of his son and the numerous victims of gun violence killed every year.
ICHV was also proud to honor State Senator Don Harmon (39th District), State Representative Edward Acevedo (2nd District), and State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (65th District) with the "Legislative Advocacy Award" for their continued commitment to reducing gun violence and sensible gun laws."
"We are fortunate in Illinois to have leaders from both sides of the aisles who advocate for solutions to gun violence, versus sloganeering and extremist rhetoric from the gun lobby," said Thom Mannard. "We honor all of our recipients for their noble work to end gun violence."
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October 12, 2006
Too Many Guns in America Wreak Havoc as School Shootings Claim Lives Across Country
Access to firearms plays a key role in the large number of deaths when such incidents occur.
(October 4th, 2006, Chicago) - In a spate of school shootings gripping the country, innocent students have been swept up in a tidal wave of violence in the last week.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and families who were affected by the rash of shootings in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania yesterday, as well as those affected in Cazenovia, Wisconsin and Bailey, Colorado," said Thom Mannard, executive director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "It is incumbent upon all Americans to realize that gun violence is still a critical problem in our country, especially for our children who continue to be the victims of such senseless and brutal attacks.
"The common denominator in all these horrific school violence incidents was the use of guns to kill innocent people," Mannard stated. "It is true there is no way to stop every incident like this from happening. But think about how many fewer people would have been injured or killed in these brutal attacks if the perpetrators had not been armed with guns. Communities may only be mourning one person rather than five or ten."
"We at ICHV acknowledge that there is no 'magic bullet' to stop every potential gun fatality or shooting incident, but there are overall solutions to stop the escalating gun violence problem," Mannard said. "Recognizing the warning signs presented by individuals is a key to preventing such incidents. Those who have guns in the their homes and who see their loved ones exhibiting severe distress, depression or other signs of mental illness should take action immediately to ensure that any weapons in the home are inaccessible to those individuals."
"We need a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence in America. Fundamentally, we have to step back and ask: 'Are we going in the right direction as a country to reduce gun fatalities and injuries?' These latest incidents clearly show that we're not, and it's time we start treating this epidemic in terms of saving lives instead of politicizing violence in America," said Mannard.
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February 16, 2006
ICHV applauds committee passage of Child Access Prevention and Dealer Licensing Bills in Illinois House
Measures now on House floor waiting for vote
(Chicago, IL-) The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) praised the passage by of the Illinois House Human Services Committee last week of two separate bills designed to further reduce gun violence in the state of Illinois. Both measures were sponsored by State Representative Deborah Graham.
The first of these bills, HB 4694, would require that any firearms, in homes where there are children and teens under the age of 18, must be stored in a locked box so they are inaccessible to children in the home.
"In 2005, there were three unintentional shootings that resulted in the deaths of three children in the Chicago suburbs of Riverdale, Bellwood, and Stickney, all because another young child or teenager easily got their hands on a gun in the home," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of ICHV. "This bill is designed to prevent those types of incidents from occurring by requiring gun owners to be responsible and keep their firearms inaccessible to children in their homes."
"As we've seen from what happened last weekend with our own Vice President, unintentional shootings can happen even to the most experienced firearms owners," said Mannard. "Certainly we should be doing all we can to ensure that unintentional shootings don't happen among our vulnerable children and teens simply because an adult is not required to be responsible and keep their firearms secured in the home."
"This bill will also go a long way to help reduce youth suicides as well, because most young people who use firearms to commit suicide get those guns from their own homes," Mannard continued. "If this measure is passed into law and prevents even one of these incidents from occurring, then it's worthwhile in its intent."
The second gun violence prevention bill to pass out of the Human Services Committee would require state licensing of firearms dealers, thereby allowing state law enforcement authorities to assist federal authorities in monitoring and catching problem gun dealers. This measure, HB 4693, is designed to bring more resources to bear in fighting problem dealers who funnel guns into criminal markets.
"Research indicates that it is a handful of Illinois gun dealers who are responsible for a high percentage of guns traced to crimes in Illinois," Mannard said. "Unfortunately, the federal government does not have adequate resources to deal with these problem firearms dealers in our state. This bill will bring in state resources to help curb the practices of those problem dealers and reduce the number of guns entering the criminal market."
Both measures have now moved on to the House floor and could receive consideration at any time before the end of the 2006 spring session.
"Illinois has made significant progress over the last year in efforts to minimize the threat that gun violence poses to our communities and our families. These measures, if passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, will continue the progress we have made in this state and will help keep Illinois residents safer from the dangers of gun violence," said Mannard.
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February 10, 2006
Federal Indictment Reveals 10 Foreign Nationals Attempted to Smuggle .50-Caliber Anti-Armor Sniper Rifles to Terrorist Organization in Columbia
Florida Indictment Sends Clear Signal to Illinois Lawmakers that .50-Caliber Sniper Rifles are "Weapon of Terror" and Must be Regulated
(Chicago) - Ten foreign nationals attempted to smuggle as many as fifty .50-caliber anti-armor sniper rifles from the United States to a terrorist organization - the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, or FARC, according to a recent federal indictment from Miami. The indictment was returned on January 3, 2006, and unsealed on January 26, 2006.
The news confirmed warnings from homeland security experts that .50-caliber sniper rifles, capable of shooting down a civilian airplane during takeoff or landing, are a weapon of choice among terrorists. A study from the Violence Policy Center in 2001, "Voting from the Rooftops," revealed that Al Qaeda purchased .50-caliber sniper rifles in the United States as well as the Irish Republican Army and other domestic terrorist organizations (http://www.vpc.org/50caliber.htm ).
With legislation pending in Illinois to regulate .50-caliber anti-armor sniper rifles and cop-killing assault weapons, the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence called on state lawmakers to take notice of what happened in Florida and move quickly to pass the homeland security bill. Both Governor Rod Blagojevich and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley cited the .50-caliber legislation as one of their top priorities on public safety.
"What more of a smoking gun do lawmakers need for proof that .50-caliber sniper rifles are weapons of terror?" said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "We hope this indictment from Miami will act as a wakeup call for state lawmakers to take action."
Fifty caliber sniper rifles were designed as battlefield rifles to destroy aircraft, puncture armor, attack fuel depots and other materiel targets, and to be used for assassination due to the rifle's astonishing range and firepower. Fifty caliber sniper rifles can also fire highly lethal armor piercing and incendiary ammunition, which are currently legal and easily obtained.
"Terrorists love these rifles because they are ideal tools for terror," said Tom Diaz, Violence Policy Center senior policy analyst and author of the VPC reports on .50-caliber sniper rifles. "They come to the United States to buy them because our laws are so weak and so laxly enforced that anyone with a credit card and a believable ID can outfit an army with such incredibly destructive weapons of war as the .50-caliber anti-armor sniper rifle."
Diaz noted that the current indictment soundly refutes the gun industry and its apologists who continue to insist, in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary, that .50-caliber sniper rifles are of interest only to sportsmen and collectors, not to terrorists.
For more information visit www.50caliberterror.com or www.ichv.org
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"That peacemaker's more likely to bring tragedy home"
Letter to the editor published July 31, 2005 in the Chicago Sun-Times
Two weeks ago we saw the tragic unintentional shooting of a toddler by his 16-year-old brother who found a gun in his Bellwood home (Accidental shooting kills 2-year-old, July 15th). A similar incident occurred in April when a 3-year-old Stickney boy found his father's gun and unintentionally shot and killed himself. Both of these unfortunate incidents have something in common-guns in the home that are unsecured, loaded and easily accessible.
These recent incidents only illustrate more clearly the dangers of guns in the home. Regardless of the reasons for owning firearms, it seems like people still do not truly understand the risks of owning them and continue to carelessly leave their guns accessible to anyone on the premises. This despite studies showing that a gun in the home increases the risk of death and injury not just for unintentional shootings but also for gun homicides and suicides.
A 1998 study published in the Journal of Trauma (Kellerman AL, "Injuries and Deaths Due to Firearms in the Home," Aug., 1998) found that guns in the home were four times more likely to be used in unintentional shooting, seven times more likely to be used in homicides or attempted homicides, and eleven times more likely to be used in suicides or attempted suicides involving family members than to be used to defend against a criminal attack.
Owning a firearm is a choice, but all people should know the actual risks of bringing guns into their homes. The safest thing adults can do to prevent these kinds of incidents is to not keep guns in the home, especially if children are present. Gun owners should lock up and store any guns and ammunition separately in a location inaccessible to children and teens. Non-gun owners can check with neighbors to ensure there are not any guns in areas where their children play together at the neighbor's home.
With more than 250 million guns in the United States, these simple, common sense actions can save many lives and prevent needless tragedies of gun violence in our communities.
Thomas Mannard, Executive Director, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence
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July 22, 2005
ICHV Statewide Media Tour Highlights Deadly Fifty Caliber Sniper Rifles that Threaten Homeland Security
Advocates Cite New Study that Highlights Warnings from National Security Experts on Capability of Fifty Caliber Sniper Rifles
(July 22nd, 2005) - Fifty caliber sniper rifles pose a serious threat to America's national security, according to the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV). Joined by representatives from the Illinois state police, local law enforcement, and state and federal representatives, advocates from ICHV engaged in a five-city media tour to Champaign-Urbana, St. Louis, Quincy, Rock Island-Moline, and Peoria to highlight a national study reporting the dangers that .50 caliber sniper rifles pose to national security and the general public. The study, "Clear and Present Danger: National Security Experts Warn About the Danger of Unrestricted Sales of 50 Caliber Anti-Armor Sniper Rifles to Civilians," was released July 19th and conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Violence Policy Center (www.vpc.org/studies/50danger.pdf ).
Fifty caliber sniper rifles were designed as battlefield rifles to destroy aircraft, puncture armor, attack fuel depots and other materiel targets, and to be used for assassination due to the rifle's astonishing range and firepower. These high-powered sniper rifles can also fire highly lethal armor piercing and incendiary ammunition, which are currently legal and easily obtained. It was the terrorist threat of .50 caliber sniper rifles that prompted Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign legislation in California to restrict the .50 caliber rifle to military and law enforcement officials only.
"The combination of distance, firepower, and lethal ammunition put .50 caliber sniper rifles in a class of their own," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director for ICHV. "It should be the priority of every lawmaker to protect our residents and families from the dangers posed by these powerful sniper rifles."
Quincy Deputy Chief of Police Ron Dreyer attended the July 20th press event at the Quincy Police Department.
"This isn't about the 2nd Amendment," stated Deputy Chief Dreyer, "this is about protecting our citizens from terrorism."
Perhaps the starkest wake-up call to anti-terrorism officials is the admission by the inventor and leading manufacturer of the weapon, Barrett Firearms, that the rifle can take down jet aircraft. A Barrett Firearms marketing brochure from the late 1980's boasts that jet engines and helicopters "are likely targets for the weapon [.50 caliber sniper rifle], making it capable of destroying multi-million dollar aircraft with a single hit delivered to a vital area." The brochure continues: "The cost-effectiveness of the Model 82A1 [50 caliber sniper rifle] cannot be overemphasized when a round of ammunition purchased for less than $10 can be used to destroy or disable a modern jet aircraft."
In addition to the threat to modern airplanes, .50 caliber sniper rifles also pose a significant threat to our state's many nuclear power and chemical plants.
"Illinois houses several chemical plants and 11 nuclear power plants, many of which are located in or near densely populated areas," Mannard stated. "If terrorists obtain .50 caliber sniper rifles, our state's nuclear power and chemical plants would be easy targets for attacks, and the damage done would be devastating and likely irreversible."
Phil Hare, District Representative for Congressman Lane Evans (D-17th), attended the July 21st press conference in Moline, Illinois on behalf of the Congressman.
"We're spending billions of dollars on homeland security to prevent terrorist attacks, yet we're allowing these weapons to be sold on the open market," Hare remarked. "It just doesn't make any sense."
"Fifty caliber weapons pose a huge threat to the safety and security of our state and our nation, and they serve no legitimate civilian function. There are too many airports, too many vulnerable chemical and nuclear plants and other high-profile targets in Illinois for us to do nothing about the threat posed by these weapons," said Mannard. "We must take action now to stop would be terrorists and criminals from getting these weapons before it's too late. This is about our national security and preventing terrorism."
For more information visit www.50caliberterror.com or www.ichv.org.
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June 7, 2005
LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS WITH VICTORY! GUN SHOW LOOPHOLE, OTHER MEASURES PASS IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
When the Illinois legislature adjourned last week, it was with a resounding victory for gun violence prevention advocates with the passage of a strong bill to close the gun show loophole. Last Monday (5/31/05), the Illinois House of Representatives passed SB 1333 to close the gun show loophole by a vote of 89 to 28, and Governor Blagojevich vowed to sign the bill into law. As soon as the Governor signs it, a background check will be mandatory for all gun purchases at Illinois gun shows.
"We have been working to close the gun show loophole in Illinois for the past four years, and our members and supporters are celebrating now that we got it done," said Thom Mannard, ICHV Executive Director. "This is a major victory for us, and it shows that common sense and public safety can prevail, even in such a politicized environment as the Illinois legislature."
Passage of this measure came at the end of a legislative session in which other significant accomplishments were made. ICHV helped pass a bill that would require trigger locks to be offered with all handguns sold by firearms dealers in Illinois, and beat back the gun lobby's efforts to allow the carrying of loaded, concealed handguns in public and to prohibit local communities from regulating firearms and ammunition. This is by far the most successful legislative session for gun violence prevention in recent years.
"Our members and supporters were crucial to making this happen, and we are very grateful for their action and participation in helping achieve these gains," Mannard stated.
This long-awaited victory also provides inspiration for ICHV's work on other issues, such as a statewide assault weapons ban. An amendment to prohibit the future sale and manufacture of assault weapons and .50 caliber sniper rifles in Illinois came within one vote of passing in the Illinois House. This vote shows that there is significant support for the measure already. However, just like the gun show loophole, there will be much hard work ahead to secure the necessary support to get this bill to the Governor.
"The gun lobby has been trying to stifle our efforts at every possible opportunity, but we beat them back this session, and we're looking forward to working with our supporters over the next several months on future efforts," said Mannard.
Links to the roll call votes on the gun show loophole (SB 1333) and on trigger locks (SB 1832) are below.
Senate Roll Call Gun Show Loophole
House Roll Call Gun Show Loophole
Senate Roll Call Trigger Locks
House Roll Call Trigger Locks
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May 13, 2005
Illinois State Rifle Association Pulls "Set-Up Job" on Illinois Law Enforcement Officials, Saying the Gun Lobby Supports Closing the Gun Loophole on One Hand, But Then Works to Destroy Records and Eliminate Crime Gun Traces on the Other
ISRA's Cheap Political Stunt Forces Illinois State Police to Urge Lawmakers to Vote Against Closing Gun Show Loophole Bill to Stop Provisions that Would Endanger Police
(Chicago, IL) - The Illinois State Rifle Association pulled "one hell of a set-up job" on law enforcement officials and the Illinois State Police according to Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. The ISRA supports Senate Bill 57, a bill to close the gun show loophole, but the legislation is filled with provisions to mandate the destruction of important records that would not only weaken law enforcement's ability to trace weapons used in crimes but would also endanger the lives of police officers. Because the Illinois State Police was worried that the bill would handcuff their crime fighting efforts, Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent signed an open letter to lawmakers urging them to vote against Senate Bill 57.
The letter was also signed by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine, and Chief Bob Jones, President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and stated, "First, we use these records to protect our officers when they serve warrants or arrest a suspect at home. As law enforcement officials, it is important for us to know whether a suspect is armed. . . .Second, we need these records to track down and prosecute straw purchases of firearms. These records are important because they allow officers to trace firearms that were obtained illegally."
"Can you say cheap political stunt?" asked Thom Mannard. "How disingenuous can the Illinois State Rifle Association get trying to handcuff our law enforcement officials from fighting crime. We stand behind the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, and other law enforcement officials with their efforts to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists and criminals. But the ISRA acts like a wolf in sheep's clothing when it comes to protecting public safety."
The ISRA has twice put out press releases over U.S. Newswire on April 15th, 2005 and on May 11th, 2005 calling on the need to close the gun show loophole to prevent terrorists from obtaining deadly firearms. But the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence said that if the ISRA was truly concerned about terrorism they would join the campaign to restrict .50 caliber sniper rifles as well as support House bill 794 sponsored by Rep. Harry Osterman to close the gun show loophole. H.B. 794 would prevent terrorists from obtaining deadly weapons at gun shows without provisions to destroy records and hinder law enforcement efforts.
"Right now there is legislation that would keep terrorists from obtaining weapons at gun shows that would not put our law enforcement officers at greater risk or destroy records and inhibit fighting crime. Why would the ISRA say they want to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of terrorists on one hand but then work to put our law enforcement officers at greater risk on the other?" asked Mannard.
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Thursday, April 7, 2005
Sniper Rifle Manufacturer Boasts That 50 Caliber Sniper Rifles Are Capable of 'Destroying Multi-Million Dollar Aircraft With a Single Hit'
ICHV Releases Marketing Brochure from Barrett Firearms Highlighting the Terrorist Threat of 50 Caliber Sniper Rifles
A marketing brochure from Barrett Firearms boasts that its 50 caliber sniper rifles are capable of destroying aircraft with a single shot. The company brochure released today by the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence states that jet engines and helicopters "are likely targets for the weapon [50 caliber sniper rifle], making it capable of destroying multi-million dollar aircraft with a single hit delivered to a vital area."
The marketing brochure from the late 80's has now become a damning and embarrassing admission by the gun lobby and 50 caliber manufacturers who are now attempting to deny and obfuscate the terrorist threat posed by these lethal weapons. Although Barrett Firearms still markets and sells the model 82-A1 50 caliber sniper rifle -- the model highlighted in the company's brochure -- Barrett Firearms has tried to mislead the media by stating that the brochure referred to rifles only available to the military, an assertion that is simply not true.
Perhaps the starkest wake-up call to anti-terrorism officials is the admission from Barrett Firearms that the "Cost-effectiveness of the Model 82A1 [.50 caliber sniper rifle] cannot be overemphasized when a round of ammunition purchased for less than $10 can be used to destroy or disable a modern jet aircraft." Fifty caliber sniper rifles are easier to obtain than a handgun in Illinois, and can fire highly lethal armor piercing and incendiary ammunition, which are currently legal and easily obtained.
"The gun lobby has been trying frantically to convince lawmakers that this deadly weapon that can destroy civilian airplanes is not a terrorist threat and is a standard hunting weapon," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "But this brochure from the leading manufacturer of 50 caliber sniper rifles demonstrates the clear and present danger to our national security and civil aviation if these weapons of war are used in a horrific attack."
Al-Qaeda purchased Barrett 50 caliber sniper rifles in the United States in the late 1980's, and other extremist groups such as the Irish Republican Army and anti-government militias have obtained the anti-armor sniper rifle as well. Most recently, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report stated that 47 suspects on a terror watch list were able to purchase firearms, although it is not known what types of firearms were obtained. And a recent study by the Rand Corporation as reported by CBS News 60 Minutes found that there were no adequate defenses to prevent a terrorist from using a 50 caliber sniper rifle to attack civilian airplanes at long range while taxiing on the runway or during takeoff or landing. Advocates say these facts should be a wake-up call for lawmakers to take swift action to restrict 50 caliber sniper rifles for use only by the military or law enforcement officials.
The Illinois State House of Representatives is expected to vote on the "Anti-Terrorism and Aviation Protection Act," (H.B. 1098) in a matter of days. The homeland security measure is part of a bi-partisan legislative effort to keep the most deadly and powerful sniper rifles on the market out of the hands of terrorists to prevent a deadly attack on Illinois aviation or vulnerable chemical or industrial targets.
Fifty caliber sniper rifles were designed as battlefield rifles to puncture armor, attack personnel carriers and fuel tanks, and to be used for assassination due to the rifle's astonishing range and firepower, which the Barrett brochure also boasts of. Barrett stated in the brochure that .50 caliber sniper rifles have "the ability to engage the enemy at ranges far beyond those at which small arms can return fire."
For More Information on the .50 caliber sniper rifle, visit http://www.50caliberterror.com/.
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September 13, 2004
Arrogant Congressional Leaders Refuse Vote on Assault Weapons
Congress Lets Ban Expire Without Even a Committee Hearing
(September 13, 2004, Chicago, IL)-At midnight tonight, the federal ban on 19 types of military-style semi-automatic assault weapons will expire without so much as a vote or committee hearing in the House or Senate. Last week, Senator Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tennessee) and House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois) continued to lie to the American people about the reasons why they did not call a vote on the federal assault weapons ban. Their lies and distortions only emphasize their complete lack of concern for the safety of our nation's law enforcement officers and the American public, and their greater concern for a special interest that finances their campaigns.
Speaker Hastert was quoted claiming "he would consider allowing the House to vote on legislation only if the Senate acted first" (Chicago Tribune. "Congress to let gun ban expire." September 9, 2004). However, Hastert knows full well that in March, by a vote of 52-47, the Senate passed an amendment to the gun industry immunity bill that would have renewed the assault weapons ban. The bill was defeated because this and several other common sense gun amendments were attached, and the bill's chief sponsor, the gun lobby, and the White House all pulled their support. For Hastert to now say that he's waiting for the Senate to act first on assault weapons is the worst kind of dereliction of duty.
In the same news article, Senator Frist was quoted saying that "the will of the American people is consistent with letting [the ban] expire, so it will expire." Perhaps Mr. Frist has missed the many polls over the last year that have shown more than 70% of Americans support renewing the ban, and more than 60% of gun owners also support it. Apparently, the opinion of one individual from Tennessee outweighs the more than the 200 million Americans who want the ban renewed and strengthened.
"If Congressional leaders are so confident that the American people want the ban to expire, you would think they would welcome the opportunity to debate and vote on the ban to show just how much support they have for allowing it to expire," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV). "But they're too scared to call a vote, because they know that voting against renewing the ban will hurt them tremendously at the polls in November."
The real reason Congressional leaders have refused to call a vote on assault weapons is because they are concerned about campaign contributions for their rank and file members. In 2002, 90% of the millions in campaign funds spent by the gun lobby went to Republican members of the House or Senate. Clearly, with 7 weeks left before election day, Republicans leaders want to make sure that money keeps flowing to their members. The NRA even stated it would withhold its endorsement of President Bush until after the ban expired.
"We wouldn't be surprised if the NRA announced its endorsement of President Bush at 12:05 AM on September 14th," said Mannard.
Regardless of politics, the fact that Congressional leaders have let the ban expire without so much as a hearing is an insult to our police officers and the overwhelming majority of Americans who support the ban.
"Today, Congress sent a message to the American people and our law enforcement officers that keeping the gun lobby happy and ensuring a steady flow of money to their campaign coffers is more important than the safety of our police officers and the communities they serve," Mannard stated. "Hopefully the American people will see through the empty rhetoric of our Congressional leaders and will make their feelings known at the ballot box on November 2nd."
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July 19, 2004
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, along with Police Chiefs Across Illinois, Calls on Speaker Dennis Hastert & President Bush to Take Immediate Action on Assault Weapons Ban Only Weeks Away from Expiring
111 Police Chiefs in Illinois Call for the Assault Weapons Ban to be Strengthened & Renewed as Law Moves Closer to September 13th Sunset
(July 19th, 2004, Chicago, IL)-- Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, along with police chiefs across Illinois, called on Speaker Dennis Hastert to move legislation that would strengthen and renew the assault weapons ban out of committee and onto the House floor for debate and a roll call vote. As evidence of the support from law enforcement officials, the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence released a list of 111 Illinois police chiefs and sheriffs, including chiefs in Speaker Hastert's own district, that want Congress to strengthen and renew the assault weapons ban before it sunsets on September 13th.
President Bush has stated he supports the assault weapons ban, but he and Speaker Hastert have been playing election year politics with the safety of law enforcement officers by passing the buck back and forth. Speaker Hastert has said he won't move legislation to ban assault weapons unless President Bush pushes for the ban. The President in turn says he is waiting for Congress to send the bill to his desk, but hasn't lobbied Congress or used his bully pulpit to push for a ban on assault weapons.
"President Bush and the Republican leadership in Congress are trying to have it both ways on the assault weapons ban, saying they support the ban but refusing to take any action. It is an outrage that we are nearing the sunset of the assault weapons ban without so much as a vote, a hearing, or debate in the House to renew and strengthen this important legislation," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District).
Military style, semi-automatic assault weapons pose a grave risk to law enforcement officers. One in every five law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty between January 1st, 1998, and December 31st, 2001, were killed with assault weapons according to the report Officer Down--Assault Weapons and the War on Law Enforcement, published by the Violence Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
"There is absolutely no reason why assault weapons should be available in our communities. Assault weapons are not legitimate hunting rifles, and they are designed to kill people and are far too often the weapons of choice to kill law enforcement officers," said Algonquin Police Chief Russell Laine, who also serves as the Vice President of the International Chiefs of Police Association.
Gurnee Police Chief Robert Jones, who also serves as the First Vice President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, added, "Law enforcement officials in Illinois and throughout this country feel very strongly about this issue. It is not right that so many police officers are outgunned because weapons that are designed to spray bullets, are for sale on the civilian market."
"I think it's time that members of Congress stand up and show the country and our police officers where they stand on the assault weapons ban, instead of making excuses about why there has been no vote," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
Legislation to permanently renew and strengthen the assault weapons ban has been sitting in the Judiciary Committee without hearings or debate for more than a year and a half. House Bill 2038, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4th) and Rep. John Conyers (MI-14th), would strengthen the assault weapons ban and close loopholes that the gun industry has exploited to continue to sell "copycat" models.
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June 22, 2004
Attorney General Lisa Madigan to Receive the Distinguished Abraham Lincoln Award from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence
Sherialyn Byrdsong, Wife of the late Ricky Byrdsong, the Former Northwestern Basketball Coach who was Gunned Down During a Racist's Shooting Spree, will be Honored with Citizen Advocacy Award
(June 22nd, 2004, Chicago, IL)-- The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence today honored Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan with the distinguished Abraham Lincoln Award for her courage and leadership in the fight to reduce and prevent gun violence. The Abraham Lincoln Award has been given each year since 1982 to community leaders and elected officials who embrace the ICHV mission. Attorney General Lisa Madigan joins an esteemed list of past Lincoln Award winners including President Bill Clinton, Mayor Richard Daley, Senator Richard Durbin, Governor Rod Blagojevich, and Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine.
"We are fortunate in Illinois to have Lisa Madigan as our Attorney General, a public servant who sees gun violence as a public health epidemic and not as a divisive political issue," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
ICHV also honored three state lawmakers with the Legislative Advocacy Award including State Senator Terry Link (30th District), State Representative Karen Yarbrough (7th District), and State Representative Sandra Pihos (42nd District). Representative Pihos' support of legislation requiring mandatory criminal background checks at gun shows was critical in passing the legislation in the Illinois House last session. Representative Yarbrough has sponsored several bills on the issue, including bills to close the gun show loophole and to license gun dealers at the state level. Senator Link has been a leader on gun violence issues during his career, supporting a bill to limit handgun sales to no more than one per month, and most recently sponsoring a resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to renew and strengthen the federal assault weapons ban, which will expire on September 13th unless Congress passes new legislation.
Sherialyn Byrdsong, Founder of the Ricky Byrdsong Foundation, was honored with the Citizen Advocacy Award. Sherialyn Byrdsong's husband, former Northwestern basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong, was gunned down when white supremacist Benjamin Smith went on a shooting spree targeting minorities over the July 4th weekend in 1999.
"Sherialyn Byrdsong is a living testament of courage. She has channeled her grief and loss in order to teach compassion, fight prejudice, and reduce violence," said Mannard.
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May 6, 2004
Cook County Board Passes Resolution Supporting Federal Ban on Assault Weapons
While Congress Dodges Bullets on Assault Weapons Issue, State and Local Governments Are Addressing It
On Tuesday, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to urge Congress to renew and strengthen the federal assault weapons ban. In a state of approximately 12 million people, Cook County accounts for more than 5 million Illinois residents. With the federal assault weapons ban scheduled to expire on September 13, 2004, all 17 Board members signed on as co-sponsors of the resolution.
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to renew and strengthen the federal ban on semi-automatic assault weapons, but thus far Congressional leaders have refused to give the issue a fair debate and vote. With the political climate in the U.S. becoming increasingly more divisive, many members of Congress do not want to vote on this issue prior to the November elections.
Because Congress has turned its back on the assault weapons ban, more and more state and local governments are addressing this issue on their own. Efforts to pass the resolution by the Cook County Board were spearheaded by Commissioner Larry Suffredin.
"It's crucial that state and local governments show their support for renewing and strengthening the federal assault weapons ban," said Suffredin after Tuesday's vote. "I'm particularly pleased that this measure passed with bi-partisan support. Our members of Congress are supposed to represent their constituents at the state and local level, and passing this resolution should send a message to the Illinois Congressional delegation, and especially Speaker Hastert, about how strongly the people of Cook County feel about the assault weapons ban."
In fact, a recent statewide poll of Illinois voters, released on April 19th by Voices for Illinois Children, showed that 75% of respondents support renewing and strengthening the ban. And a recent nationwide poll, released on April 23rd by the Annenberg Foundation, showed that 71% of Americans, and 64% of gun owners, support the assault weapons ban.
"With so much public support across the nation, including that of President Bush, Congress should be looking forward to voting in favor of renewing and strengthening the ban," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV). "Instead, Congressional leaders are refusing to bring this issue up for a vote. Our elected leaders in Washington owe the American people an explanation as to why they are not dealing with this critical public safety issue, especially when it enjoys such widespread public support."
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March 3, 2004
Illinois Has More Assault Weapons Manufacturers Than Any Other State, New Study Shows
Illinois has more "post-ban" assault weapon manufacturers than any other state, according to the new study Illinois: Land of Post-Ban Assault Weapons, conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Violence Policy Center (study can be found in PDF format here). Although the federal assault weapons ban was passed in 1994, the gun industry has willfully circumvented federal law and created, through a process dubbed "sporterization," a new generation of assault weapons, re-naming them "post-ban" or "after-ban" weapons. The gun industry has evaded the intent of Congress to get military style semi-automatic assault weapons off the streets by making minor cosmetic changes and producing "clones" and "knock-off" versions to continue to sell them for profit at the expense of public safety.
Since 1994, six Illinois gunmakers - ArmaLite, Inc., D.S. Arms, Inc., Eagle Arms, Les Baer Custom, Inc., Rock River Arms, Inc., and Springfield Armory, Inc. - have manufactured post-ban assault weapons. Today, all of these companies, save for Springfield Armory, continue to manufacture post-ban semi-automatic assault weapons.
Yesterday, the Senate passed an extension of the assault weapons ban as an amendment to legislation that would have granted the gun industry civil immunity. The gun industry immunity bill was soundly defeated as the result of gun control amendments. However, had the assault weapons amendment become law, it would not have stopped Illinois gun manufacturers from producing post-ban, semi-automatic assault weapons. This stands as clear evidence the ban needs to be not only renewed, but also strengthened.
Military style semi-automatic assault weapons pose a grave risk to law enforcement officers. One in every five law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty between January 1st, 1998, and December 31st, 2001, were killed with assault weapons according to a study Officer Down-- Assault Weapons and the War on Law Enforcement, also conducted by the Violence Policy Center (study can be viewed online here).
"While we do not want to diminish the significance of the Senate voting to extend the assault weapons ban, unfortunately, the extension would do nothing to curtail Illinois' unique distinction as being number one in manufacturing these deadly assault weapons," said Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "That's because the current assault weapons ban needs to be strengthened, not just renewed. Our police officers deserve better, and we will continue to fight for a stronger assault weapons ban."
"The Senate vote on the assault weapons ban amendment shows that there is bi-partisan support on this important public safety issue. Clearly, Senators on both sides of the aisle know that they don't want to be on the wrong side of the assault weapons ban debate or gun violence prevention measures," said Tracy Egan, of the North Side Chapter of the Million Mom March. "But now our work continues to educate the public and lawmakers about the need for strengthening the assault weapons ban."
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January 21, 2004
69% of Illinois Voters Support Strengthening the Assault Weapons Ban
The Federal Assault Weapons Ban Will Sunset September 13, 2004 Unless Congress and President Bush Take Action.
(January, 21st, 2004, Springfield, IL)-Illinois voters overwhelmingly support re-authorizing and strengthening the federal assault weapons ban according to a poll released today at the State Capitol by the Champaign County Health Care Consumers and the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. The statewide survey found that 69.7% of Illinois voters support strengthening the assault weapons ban, which will sunset on September 13th, 2004, unless President Bush and Congress reauthorize the 1994 law. Military style semi-automatic assault weapons pose a grave risk to law enforcement officers and safe communities. One in every five law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty are killed by assault weapons according to a report, "Officer Down" by the Violence Policy Center.
Although the federal assault weapons ban was passed in 1994, the gun industry has willfully circumvented the ban and created a new class of assault weapons and re-named them "post-ban" or "after-ban" assault weapons. The gun industry has evaded the intent of Congress to get military style semi-automatic assault weapons off the streets by making minor cosmetic changes and producing "clones" and "knock-off" versions to continue to sell for profit at the expense of public safety.
That is one reason why the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police supports strengthening the assault weapons ban. Just last week, the Association of Chiefs of Police passed a resolution stating that the group "strongly supports legislation to reauthorize the existing ban on assault weapons" and "supports any technical amendments to correct oversights in the original law that weaken the effects of the prohibition on assault weapons."
Congressman Lane Evans (IL-17th) supports the Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act (House Resolution 2038) that would close loopholes that have been exploited by the gun industry and get military style assault weapons off the streets. Evans co-signed a letter along with fellow Illinois Representatives to Speaker Dennis Hastert (IL-14th) and President Bush that stated, "It is critically important to the safety of all Americans that we not only renew this ban on deadly assault weapons but that we also strengthen it."
"We are grateful that Congressman Evans has taken a leadership role in protecting law enforcement officers by supporting the assault weapons ban," said Chris Boyster, Downstate Coordinator for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "We would like to see the same support for strengthening the assault weapons ban from Congressmen Ray LaHood (IL-18th) and John Shimkus (IL-19th)."
The 2003 Annual Survey of Illinois Voters interviewed 821 registered voters throughout Illinois on a number of public policy issues, including assault weapons. The households were chosen through random digit dialing and further screened for proper sampling within the household. Of the 69.7% of Illinois voters that favor strengthening the assault weapons ban, 61% strongly favored improving and strengthening the law and 8% somewhat favored strengthening the assault weapons ban.
Other national surveys have shown broad support for the assault weapons ban. Last fall the Consumer Federation of America found that 62% of those surveyed supported renewing the ban which included 50% of gun owners. The same survey found that 63% favor strengthening the ban on military style semi-automatic assault weapons.
"This survey shows that Illinois voters, including downstate voters, support getting military style semi-automatic assault rifles out of our communities and off our streets," said Brooke Anderson, Project Organizer for the Champaign County Health Care Consumers. "The people of Illinois clearly want to see the gun industry held accountable and for Congress to close deadly loopholes in the assault weapons ban."
Advocates pointed to the urgency for Congress and President Bush to act and reauthorize the assault weapons ban which will sunset on September 13th, 2004. President Bush has stated he supports the assault weapons ban.
"The manufacturers of assault weapons are standing by, ready to increase their production of these deadly weapons such as semi-automatic Uzi's and AK-47's the day the assault weapons ban sunsets," said Jonathan Lackland, Great Lakes Regional Director of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence United with the Million Mom March. "We must reach out aggressively to ensure that everyone in America knows what's at stake here."
"If President Bush truly wants to pass the assault weapons ban to protect Americans, then it is within his power to set the agenda and pressure Congress to do so. Bush can make this happen if he really wants to," said John Johnson, Executive Director of Iowans for the Prevention of Gun Violence. "I listened to the State of the Union last night hoping to hear Bush restate his support for the assault weapons ban. But the state of our Union will be tragic if the gun industry has free rein to sell semi-automatic AK-47's in our communities by this September."
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