Oh, our fearless leader won't be happy about this one. I can smell Feinstein's hair on fire from here:
Fairfax,Va. – The UnitedStates Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled today that Illinois'total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home or business isunconstitutional. The case involves lead plaintiff Mary Shepard, an Illinoisresident and a trained gun owner, who is licensed to carry a concealed handgunin both Utah and Florida. The National Rifle Association is funding this case.The Illinois State Rifle Association is a co-plaintiff in this case.Federal CourtStrikes down Illinois' total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense outsidethe home or business
“Today’sruling is a victory for all law abiding citizens in Illinois and gun ownersthroughout the country,” said Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of NRA.“The court recognized that the text and history of the Second Amendmentguarantee individuals the right to carry firearms outside the home forself-defense and other lawful purposes. In light of this ruling, Mary Shepardand the people of Illinois will finally be able to exercise their SecondAmendment rights.”
OnSeptember 28, 2009, while working as the treasurer of her church, Ms. Shepardand an 83-year-old co-worker were viciously attacked and beaten by asix-foot-three-inch, 245 pound man with a violent past and a criminal record.Ms. Shepard and her co-worker were lucky to survive, as each of them sufferedmajor injuries to the head, neck and upper body. Ms. Shepard's injuriesrequired extensive surgeries and she continues physical therapy to this dayattempting to recover from her injuries.
Intoday’s decision, Judge Richard Posner ruled that Illinois’ ban on carriage isunconstitutional. The Judge went on to say, “One doesn’t have to be a historianto realize that a right to keep and bear arms for personal self-defense in theeighteenth century could not rationally have been limited to the home. . . .Twenty-first century Illinois has no hostile Indians. But a Chicagoan is a gooddeal more likely to be attacked on a sidewalk than in his apartment on the 35th floor.”
"Today'sruling is a major victory for law-abiding Illinoisans—and for everyone whounderstands that the Second Amendment protects the right both to keep arms, andto bear arms," added Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA's Institutefor Legislative Action. "This ruling makes clear that Illinois cannot denylaw-abiding residents the right to carry a firearm for self-defense outside thehome. This is a step in the right direction for all gun owners. We know itprobably won’t be the end of this case, and we’re ready to keep fighting untilthe courts fully protect the entire Second Amendment."
Viewthe entire ruling here.
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