Southern Illinois News

Illinois State. Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) recently reflected on the Supreme Court decision regarding open carry of firearms.

According to CNN, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision Thursday in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, striking down a New York concealed handgun law in a 6-3 vote. The ruling will make it easier for individuals to carry concealed guns in public.                                    

"Because the State of New York issues public-carry licenses only when an applicant demonstrates a special need for self-defense, we conclude that the state's licensing regime violates the Constitution," Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the court's 6-3 majority.

"I am greatly encouraged by today’s SCOTUS ruling in favor of the 2nd Amendment Right of individuals to carry concealed firearms outside of their personal residence for self-defense and personal protection," Windhorst said in a release posted on Facebook, describing the decision as a "win for personal safety and individual constitutional rights."

He blamed left-leaning politicians for usurping freedom with their laws, as he said: "I am heartened by Justice Thomas’ words in the majority opinion affirming that the constitutional right to bear arms for self-defense is not subject to which political party is in power or only available to citizens that follow a different set of rules other than those guaranteed by the Bill of Rights." 

NBC Chicago reported that Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a statement as well: “Today’s decision striking down New York’s statutory scheme does not affect Illinois’ concealed-carry laws or other gun safety measures, and the steps that we have taken as an office to prevent gun violence and build safe communities remains preserved.” 

Raoul touched upon the many shootings seen in the U.S. today as he said: “In the wake of the numerous occurrences of shocking gun violence that have taken place around the country, we continue to do all we can.”