Illinois Valley Times

Jim Marter, a candidate for the 14th Congressional District, has strongly condemned Gov. JB Pritzker for passing a sweeping gun ban in the state. Marter expressed his concerns by invoking the constitution’s words.

“JB PRITZKER We the People will not abide by your unlawful usurping of our Second Amendment right!” Marter, Kendall County Republican Party chairman, said on Facebook. “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. It’s time the well-regulated militia arrest the criminal governor for crimes against 'We the People.'”

Marter’s comments come after the Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the state’s gun and magazine ban, ruling against challenges claiming the law violates equal protection and infringes on Second Amendment rights, The Center Square reported. The split decision maintains the ban, with the majority opinion emphasizing that exemptions for law enforcement and security personnel are not in violation of equal protection. The minority opinion argued that the right to bear arms is fundamental to individual freedom. Despite this ruling, federal challenges are ongoing, and the case is anticipated to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

The ban, enacted by Pritzker, prohibits over 170 semi-automatic firearms and restricts the sale and possession of magazines above certain capacities, according to The Center Square.

The Illinois State Rifle Association expects gun ban cases to eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court as they continue to fight for the rights of legal firearm owners, Prairie State Wire reported.

The 14th Congressional District includes Kendall, the southern half of DeKalb County, northern LaSalle County, northeast Putnam County and part of Will, Kane and Bureau Counties.