The Illinois Attorney General’s office has issued an apology to a federal judge following comments suggesting that a ruling against the state’s ban on concealed carry in mass transit could have safety implications.
U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston determined that the state’s prohibition on carrying concealed firearms on public transit violates the Second Amendment. He stated, Plaintiffs’ proposed conduct—carrying concealed handguns on public transit for self-defense—falls within the presumptive ambit of the Second Amendment.
However, the Attorney General’s office sparked controversy in its appeal by claiming that Judge Johnston’s ruling had potential safety implications” linked to a recent mass shooting on the CTA’s Blue Line, where four people were killed just three days after his order was issued.
In response, Judge Johnston ordered the attorney responsible for that statement to appear in court to explain it. He questioned the basis for the assertion, asking what inquiries were made regarding whether the suspect in the Blue Line shooting had a concealed carry permit and whether he was acting in self-defense.
In their written response, the state’s attorneys clarified that their intent was to argue for a stay of the Court’s order based on public safety interests. They emphasized that their statement was not meant to imply that the shooter possessed a concealed carry permit or acted in self-defense. “The sentence also was not intended to suggest that this Court’s order was responsible for or specifically related to the shooting referenced in the stay motion,” they stated, adding an apology for any misunderstanding that may have arisen.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed disappointment over the potential overturning of the concealed carry ban, asserting that the law has significantly contributed to public safety.
Meanwhile, Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association, criticized the state’s stance, arguing that the focus should be on responsible citizens protecting themselves, rather than on the actions of criminals. They’re trying to say that carrying on mass transit would lead to more incidents like this, but the fact is those were criminals doing that, he remarked. We’re talking about armed citizens protecting themselves and others.
In August, Judge Johnston issued a summary judgment partly in favor of the plaintiffs against the state, which has since filed for an appeal. Pearson is hopeful that the upcoming appellate court proceedings will broaden the victory to include all individuals with concealed carry permits. When we get into the appellate court, we’re going to try to expand that to include everyone, he said.