Staff Reports
The recent gun ban in Illinois has sparked fears of potential firearm confiscation, especially in the wake of potential mass casualty events. The new law, which requires registration of banned firearms, has caused concern among Second Amendment supporters and firearm owners. Nearly 30,000 Illinoisans have dutifully registered their firearms with the state, making up about 1.22% of the state’s 2.4 million Firearm Owners ID card holders.
John Boch, the Executive Director of Guns Save Life, has raised red flags about potential confiscation efforts. He has warned that if a mass casualty event were to occur, the government might take steps to seize the registered firearms. According to Boch, individuals who have followed the registration requirements could face the daunting prospect of surrendering their firearms and accessories within 90 days of any such event or else face felony charges.
Some speculate gun confiscation on the horizon in Illinois https://t.co/56NwrtMsYO via @thecentersquare
— Bishop On Air (@BishopOnAir) January 14, 2024
Governor Pritzker’s office has downplayed these fears, denying any plans for gun confiscation. However, the skepticism lingers, especially after Pritzker’s recent comments justifying the banned gun registry. Pritzker emphasized the need to keep track of “deadly weapons” and their owners, particularly in the event of a crime. These remarks have only served to stoke suspicions that the government is laying the groundwork for potential firearm confiscation.
This unfolding situation has left many Illinoisans feeling uneasy and wary of the government’s intentions. Second Amendment advocates and firearm owners are closely monitoring the developments, concerned about the erosion of their constitutional rights. As the debate over gun control and individual liberties rages on, the specter of potential confiscation looms large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over law-abiding gun owners in Illinois.
