Rep. Barbara Hernandez Responds to Illinois Supreme Court Upholding Assault Weapons Ban

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, issued the following response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision that the assault weapons ban passed earlier this year is constitutional:

“Months ago, I joined with other public safety advocates to take a substantial step forward with the passage of the assault weapons ban. Today, with the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling, we can applaud one less frivolous attempt to derail commonsense gun safety reform.

“Aurorans have felt the brutal impact of this disease, and seeing the test of such a substantial victory fail is a relief. The mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Company ripped through our community in a way that will stay with me and many others for the rest of our lives.

“I hope now that we can move forward to pursue greater progress, save more lives and help prevent the trauma that gun violence has visited on so many communities, including Aurora. Undoubtedly, we will continue to face resistance from lobbyists and legislators who value weapons of war over human lives. However, every year, voters across Illinois continue to send the message that those heartless individuals represent a small and shrinking minority.”