Attorney General Kwame Raoul is leading a charge alongside a coalition of 22 attorneys general in defense of a federal law that keeps firearms out of the hands of felons. The group recently filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, urging the court to affirm the constitutionality of the law, which a lower panel had deemed unconstitutional when applied to a specific defendant, according to an announcement on the Illinois Attorney General's website.
Stressing the importance of the legislation, Raoul stated, "The federal law banning felons from possessing firearms sets a clear standard that enhances public safety." He went on to explain the collective stance that the Second Amendment allows for regulations to ensure that "only law-abiding, responsible individuals possess firearms." The coalition emphasized the unworkability of any potential alternative to the current restriction, highlighting the clarity and efficiency of the existing one.
Illinois has seen a number of initiatives under Raoul's tenure aimed at curbing gun violence. The creation of Crime Gun Connect, a tracing database for law enforcement, and the collaboration with local authorities to combat gun trafficking are just a few examples stated on the office's website. Raoul's office also actively enforces the red flag law and prosecutes those who falsify FOID card applications.
Proactive steps taken beyond state borders include partnering with the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) to offer training that could prevent targeted acts of violence to a diverse group of community members. Within the state arena, Raoul is fighting to plug legal gaps in the regulation of 3D-printed and ghost guns. Illinois now bans ghost guns, though the Attorney General's office continues to work at the federal level to close existing loopholes.
Further strengthening community safeguards, the Attorney General’s office supports trauma-informed services for violent crime victims and their families through numerous programs. The diverse coalition standing with Raoul comprises attorneys general from coast to coast, including California, Colorado, and New York. This collective move signals a strong endorsement of the blend of preventive and punitive measures that Raoul advocates for, reflecting a multi-state commitment to public safety and responsible gun ownership.
