x
Breaking News
More () »

Governor Quinn Urges Action After Deadly Shootings

After two violent weekends in Chicago, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is urging legislators to pass legislation that he says will make neighborhoods safer. The Ill...

After two violent weekends in Chicago, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is urging legislators to pass legislation that he says will make neighborhoods safer.

The Illinois Public Safety Act would ban the sale or delivery of assault weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines. It would also require background checks for the transfer of guns.

On Sunday, July 13, 2014, Governor Quinn met Congresswoman Robin Kelly at the site of a recent fatal shooting in Chicago's Morgan Park neighborhood. Over the July 11-13 weekend, three people were shot and 21 wounded. Over the 4th of July weekend, 14 people were shot and 82 wounded.

"The recent epidemic of violence in Chicago is unacceptable and we must join together to fight back," he said in a press release. "Public safety is government's foremost mission and Illinois should not wait any longer to act. There are too many victims of a war being waged on our streets, a war fueled in part by the availability of deadly, military-style assault weapons that have no purpose other than killing.

"We must work together to protect the lives of those we love and stop what's happening in our communities. I urge the Illinois General Assembly to take a stand and pass the legislation that will save lives and protect communities."

Seven states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws banning assault weapons: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. In addition, Minnesota and Virginia regulate assault weapons.

 

 

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out