Seventh Circuit Continues Unbroken Streak of Federal Appellate Courts Decisions Upholding Assault Weapon Bans, Just Days After Supreme Court Takes Up Issue

NEW YORK – In a decisive victory for public safety, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has upheld Illinois’s assault weapon and large-capacity magazine ban in a 2-1 decision – with both judges in the majority appointed by Republican Presidents, Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump – adding to the string of federal appellate court decisions to uniformly rule that these common-sense gun safety laws are constitutional. The decision comes just days after the U.S. Supreme Court decided to consider the constitutionality of assault weapon bans. 

“The Seventh Circuit’s ruling adds to an unbroken front of federal appeals court decisions that have consistently found that assault weapon and large-capacity magazine bans are constitutional and consistent with our country’s historical tradition of regulating unusually dangerous weapons,” said Eric Tirschwell, executive director at Everytown Law. “We strongly urge the Supreme Court to follow suit and protect the right of communities to shield themselves from the weapons of choice for mass shooters.”

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, which involve reckless gun lobby challenges to Cook County, Illinois and Connecticut laws restricting assault weapons – weapons that are frequently used in our nation’s deadliest mass shootings. 

To speak with an expert at Everytown Law, please contact press@everytown.org.