Another downstate judge grants temporary restraining order against assault weapons ban

WHITE COUNTY (25 News Now) - Another temporary restraining order has been handed down by a downstate judge against the new state law banning assault weapons.

White County Judge T. Scott Webb issued the order that will affect more than 1,600 people named in the lawsuit. They include Darren Bailey, the former Republican state senator who waged an unsuccessful run for governor last fall, and State Reps. Adam Niemerg and Blaine Wilhour.

The decision comes days after the 5th District Appellate Court in Mount Vernon upheld the temporary restraining order issued by an Effingham County judge.

The order makes it so people named in the lawsuit do not have to follow the assault weapons ban.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul said he will ask the Illinois Supreme Court to review any challenges to the Protect Illinois Communities Act on an expedited basis.

Raoul released the following statement:

“Over the last few years, my office has become accustomed to facing a barrage of challenges to newly-enacted state statutes and executive orders. The Protect Illinois Communities Act is an important tool in our fight to protect Illinois residents from gun violence, and as with past matters, we recognize that the act’s constitutionality will ultimately be decided by a higher court. We are reviewing the circuit court’s decision and continue to review the 5th District’s decision. We will seek the Illinois Supreme Court’s review of challenges to the Protect Illinois Communities Act, and we will ask the court for an expedited schedule.”