Originally reported by WISH-TV News. Read the original article here.

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Originally reported by WISH-TV News. Read the original article here.

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“Across the country, cities are struggling with how to address this issue. Common sense tells you we need fewer guns on the street, not more guns,” Daley said in a City Hall news conference.

“So, we’re working to rewrite our ordinance in a reasonable and responsible way to protect 2nd amendment rights and protect Chicagoans from gun violence.

We’ll publicly propose our new ordinance soon,” he said.

Today, in a 5-4 decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment of the Constitution applies to state and local governments, as well as the federal government.

However, the Supreme Court did not strike down any part of the City’s ordinance.

The Court reversed the lower court decision upholding Chicago’s handgun ban but remanded the case to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals for further proceedings.

Technically, this means that Chicago’s current ordinance, which does not allow the registration–and consequently the ownership–of handguns, is still in effect until the 7th Circuit invalidates it.

However, as a practical matter, it is clear that such a provision will ultimately be struck down based on the Supreme Court’s decision in the Heller case in which the Court ruled that Washington D.C.’s handgun ban violated the Second Amendment.

Daley said the City has already gathered opinions from many sources about how the new ordinance might be revised, including reviewing the ordinances and laws that are in place in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles and other cities and states.

On June 18, a City Council Committee conducted a hearing which addressed many of the issues and challenges Chicago faces in crafting a new city ordinance.

During the hearing, many experts and members of the community testified that if handguns are now going to be allowed in homes, the City needs to put in place the strictest laws possible with regard to who is eligible to own a gun.

Daley reminded residents that even though today’s decision for practical purposes renders the prohibition on registering handguns unenforceable, many other city and state regulations remain in place.

He said that it remains illegal:

• To carry a concealed weapon in the State of Illinois;
• To possess a gun in the City of Chicago that is not registered with the Chicago Police Department;
• To possess a gun without first obtaining a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card from the State;
• To transport any kind of gun in a vehicle in Chicago if the gun is not broken down into a non-functioning state; or,
• To possess a semi-automatic or automatic assault weapon, laser sight accessories and silencers.

In addition, all registrants must keep their firearms unloaded and disassembled or bound by a trigger lock or similar device, unless the firearm is in the registrant’s possession at his place of residence or business or while being used for lawful recreational purposes within the City of Chicago.

Daley also addressed his deep concern about some language in the Supreme Court’s decision today.

“To suggest that Chicago’s elected officials haven’t done enough to protect our city’s residents shows many of our highest level officials don’t understand that gun violence pervades America, not just Chicago,” he said.

“When it comes to Chicago, the Court has ignored all that’s been done over the last decade to dramatically lower our homicide and violent crime rates.

“They’ve ignored that thousands of people — from every neighborhood and background — have joined with their elected officials and ministers in marches to protect our children to end the gun violence.
“They don’t reflect that the Chicago Police Department has constantly worked to create new strategies in our most challenged neighborhoods to end the violence. This is one reason why homicides and violent crimes have been dramatically reduced over the last decade. I know it doesn’t feel that way, because one child killed is too many.

“At the same time — and this is just as important — they don’t seem to appreciate the full scope of gun violence in America and that it will continue until we understand that there are reasonable and responsible steps we can take as a nation to help end the needless gun violence and harm that irresponsible people bring on our friends and family,” he said.

The Mayor emphasized that despite the Court’s ruling, he is more determined than ever to continue Chicago’s and the nation’s fight against gun violence in all its forms, including handguns.

“Gun violence is not just a Chicago problem, it is an American problem. And, it will continue until we understand that there are reasonable and responsible steps we can take as a nation to help end the needless gun violence that irresponsible people bring on our friends and family,” Daley said.

He said that:

• On average in one year, more than 100,000 people in America are shot or killed with a gun.
• Each day in America, more than 80 people die from guns and another 200 are wounded.
• Every year in the United States more than 3,000 children and teens are killed by guns.
• “What is the impact of this violence?” Daley asked. “Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, our children and our friends — killed or injured by guns. Homes broken apart, dreams ended. All of it needless.”

“I also want the people of Chicago to understand that even as we rewrite Chicago’s handgun ordinance, we will continue to pursue every avenue that reduces the chance of violence involving a handgun or any other weapon in Chicago,” he said.

The Mayor said that includes working to re-enact the federal ban on assault weapons, pursuing a crackdown on gun shops and their owners, looking for new ways to challenge gun manufacturers, including how they market to young people and continuing efforts to close the “gun show loophole” at the federal level.

“For the safety of our city and on behalf of those who have lost friends and loved ones to gun violence, I will never give up or give in to those who harm others with guns,” he said.

Mayor Daley Says City Will Move Quickly To Propose New Gun Ordinance To Address Supreme Court Ruling | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

But, even staunch supporters of a law allowing people to carry concealed weapons know the decision is no magic bullet for their cause.

“It’s not going to be a cakewalk to get it into law,” said state Sen. John Jones, R-Mount Vernon.

In rural areas of the state, Democrat and Republican members of the House and Senate typically side with the National Rifle Association, which favors fewer rules on gun ownership.

But, in Chicago, lawmakers have been clamoring for tougher laws because of ongoing gun-related violence. Over the past two summer weekends, for example, more than 75 people have been shot in the city.

The rift has created a legislative logjam when it comes to any major changes in firearms laws.

Just as Chicago lawmakers have fell short in their efforts to put an assault weapons ban on the books, downstate lawmakers have failed to advance legislation allowing Illinoisans to carryconcealed weapons.

Two years ago, backers of concealed carry also pointed to the court’s decision to overturn a handgun ban in Washington D.C. as a momentum-builder for their cause.

But, just as it has in the past, the push to make Illinois the 49th state to allow concealed carry fizzled.

Gun control advocate Thomas Mannard, executive director of the Illinois Council on Handgun Violence, said he won’t be surprised if the decision is used to rally support for a concealed carry law.

“You kind of grasp at anything you can to try and get some momentum,” Mannard said. “But it’s a little bit of a stretch.”

Gov. Pat Quinn expressed doubt Monday that concealed carry will move forward in the General Assembly anytime soon.

“I don’t think so. I don’t think that’s embedded in the constitutional right,” Quinn told reporters in Springfield.

State Sen. Bill Brady, the GOP nominee for governor, said the court’s decision makes it clear that cities and states are limited in their ability to pass laws that infringe on a person’s ability to bear arms.

“I respect today’s United States Supreme Court ruling,” Brady said in a statement. “The impact on the legislative process remains to be seen. The decision will be reviewed by lawyers across the country and there will still be court action that we can anticipate.”

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, said the high court decision could alter the number of votes needed in the House and Senate need to approve a concealed carry proposal.

Currently, parliamentary rules mean a concealed carry proposal needs 71 votes to be sent to the governor. Mitchell said the ruling could result in a simple majority of lawmakers – 60 in the House - being needed for passage.

“I think that’s achievable,” said Mitchell, who is sponsoring a concealed weapons measure in the House.

kurt.erickson@lee.net

217-789-0865

Read the original article from Stateline.org.

IL: Some hopeful gun ruling could trigger changes in Illinois laws | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Organizers who arranged bus transportation from around the state had predicted a turnout of 10,000 for Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day, but fell considerably short of that number. It’s not clear how many gun owners attended, but the crowd that assembled at the Prairie Capital Convention Center before marching to the state Capitol filled the better part of the hall.

The crowd at the convention center cheered loudest for Otis McDonald, a Chicago man who is a plaintiff in a lawsuit that seeks to overturn that city’s handgun ban. McDonald, who received four standing ovations, told the crowd that a black Democrat isn’t the sort of person one expects to lead the fight against gun-ownership restrictions.

“The question was asked of me, ‘Are you not swimming upstream?’” McDonald told the crowd during a short speech. “My response was, ‘I’ve been swimming upstream most of my life.’ … When wrong is wrong, Democrat, Republican — whoever you are — is wrong.”

McDonald acknowledged that his fight to own a handgun isn’t popular in his neighborhood.

“Where I live at, I don’t get a lot of support,” McDonald said. “Whenever I feel weak, I come to southern Illinois.”

“Thank you!” someone in the crowd shouted.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the McDonald case earlier this month. Several speakers predicted victory and warned that politicians who don’t support the right to carry concealed firearms and other changes in law aimed at reducing restrictions on gun ownership face political defeat.

“We’re not going to go away, we’re not going to give up,” Todd Vandermyde, a National Rifle Association lobbyist, told the crowd. “There’s no compromise. There’s no in-between. You’re either with us or you’re against us.”

Kurt Kieffer, who lives about 180 miles north of Springfield in McHenry County, said he came to the capital because he believes in the Second Amendment and his right to defend himself.

“I’m pretty impressed so far,” Kieffer said as he prepared for the walk to the Capitol. “I would have liked to see more people.”

Bruce Rushton can be reached at 788-1542.

McDonald vs. Chicago

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments March 2 in the Chicago handgun ban case, known as McDonald vs. Chicago. A city ordinance bans possession of most handguns in Chicago. The plaintiffs contend that the 14th Amendment requires states and local governments to honor the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms.

In addition to Otis McDonald, the plaintiffs are: Adam Orlov, Colleen Lawson, David Lawson, the Second Amendment Foundation and the Illinois State Rifle Association. Defendants are the city of Chicago and village of Oak Park.

A decision is expected by summer.

Read the original article from The State Journal-Register.

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All the robberies occurred between the hours of 2 and 9 p.m., police said. In each robbery, the man, described as a male Hispanic between 18 and 30, 150 to 200 pounds and 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-11, was armed with a handgun.

In most of the incidents, he wore a bandanna or mask partially covering his face.

On at least two occasions, according to an alert by Harrison Area detectives, he made his demands in Spanish and was seen fleeing in a black pickup driven by a second subject. There is no description of the second offender.

The robberies took place between Jan. 22 and Feb. 14 at the following locations:

• 3100 block of South Harding Avenue
• 2700 block of South Kostner Avenue
• 2800 block of South Kedvale Avenue
• 3200 block of South Ridgeway Avenue
• 2657 South Kolin Avenue.

Anyone with information should call Harrison Area detectives at 312-746-8253.

Read the original article from FOX Chicago News.

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Emmanuel Perez-Gomez, 20, of the 4700 block of N. Kenneth Ave., was charged at 4 p.m. Monday with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and misdemeanor aggravated assault, according to police.

Perez-Gomez was arrested at 4:37 a.m. Monday at Belmont Area headquarters at 2452 W. Belmont Ave. after he checked himself into Swedish Covenant Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound he suffered when a police officer shot him, police said.

The shooting happened about 1:10 a.m. Monday in the 2800 block of West Devon Avenue, police said.

A police report said the incident began as an argument, and Perez-Gomez allegedly pointed a loaded handgun at an Isuzu Rodeo SUV and fired three or four shots. Three men inside the Rodeo — all in their 20s with the same last name  – were not hit, the report said.

An off-duty officer working security nearby chased Perez-Gomez, who pointed the same gun at the officer, the report said. In fear for his life and others, the officer fired and shot Perez-Gomez, who fled in a dark-colored SUV, the report said.

Initially, police said no one was struck but a man later arrived at Swedish Covenant Hospital and told emergency personnel he was shot near North Mozart Street and West Devon Avenue — about a block west of the police-involved shooting, police said. The injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Belmont Area detectives and the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates all police-involved shootings, are investigating.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Man shot by cop charged with attempted murder | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The incident occurred about 3:30 p.m. at 2612 W. Nelson St. when the man, whom police declined to identify, was showing his 7-year-old son a handgun inside a warehouse that the man either owns or works for, police said.

The gun accidentally discharged and struck the boy, causing him to suffer a graze wound to his head.

He was taken to Children’s Memorial Hospital but he did not suffer life-threatening injuries, police said.

The man was shot in the hand and transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he underwent surgery, police said.

The man was charged with misdemeanor reckless conduct and a firearm registration violation, police said.

Grand Central Area detectives are investigating.

Read the original article from FOX Chicago News.

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“He (the victim) was upset with the way she handled the company and she wanted out,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Ann Celine O’Hallaren Wednesday after a two-week trial.

“Her lies began when the company spiraled downward due to her mismanagement. Her story is about her own self-preservation.”

Richard Kayne, defense attorney, argued in his closing arguments that the defendant, “had no motive for murder. There was no financial gain to be had. This was about her protecting herself from her abusive father.”

About 9 p.m., after three hours of deliberations, the judge ordered the jury sequestered and told them to resume at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Woman says she shot dad because ‘he was going to kill me’ | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Darris Hyte, 31, who last resided at 1209 Sairwood Dr., Elgin, was sentenced yesterday in Federal Court. Because he possessed a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, Hyte faced a mandatory minimum of five years up to life in federal prison under federal law.

Hyte was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Coar in U.S. District Court in Chicago on November 5, said Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

According to court documents, on June 23, 2008, in Elgin, Hyte possessed 31.5 grams of crack cocaine, which he intended to distribute. Along with the crack cocaine, Hyte also had a loaded .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.

Hyte admitted that he possessed the firearm in order to protect his distribution of crack cocaine. According to court filings, Hyte was considered a career offender under federal sentencing guidelines based on two prior drug trafficking convictions.

As a career offender, Hyte faced a heightened sentencing guideline range.

Hyte was indicted in October 2008 and pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense on June 11, 2009.

In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Judge Coar imposed a term of five years of supervised release and a $1,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Elgin Police Department and the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Initiative.

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, which initially brought charges, later referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.

The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Hauser.

MEDIA CONTACT:

United States Attorney’s Office, 312-353-5300
Northern District of Illinois

Elgin Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Possession of a Handgun and Crack Cocaine | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Internet postings on June 2 and 3 proclaimed “outrage” over the June 2 handgun decision by Chief Judge Frank Easterbrook and Judges Richard Posner and William Bauer, of the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, further stating, among other things: “Let me be the first to say this plainly: These Judges deserve to be killed.” The postings included photographs, phone numbers, work address and room numbers of these judges, along with a photo of the building in which they work and a map of its location.

Turner, 47, of North Bergen, N.J., was arrested this morning after FBI agents went to his residence to execute a search warrant. He was charged with threatening to assault and murder three federal judges with intent to retaliate against them for performing official duties in a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago. He is scheduled to have an initial court appearance at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday) before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Shipp in U.S. District Court in Newark.

“We take threats to federal judges very seriously. Period,” said Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, who announced the charges with Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the FBI Office in Newark are providing local assistance.

According to the complaint affidavit, several lawsuits were filed challenging handgun bans in Chicago and suburban Oak Park after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that the Second Amendment entitles handguns at home for self-protection. On June 2, 2009, the 7th Circuit issued an opinion in National Rifle Association v. Chicago, Nos. 08-4241, 08-4243 & 08-4244, affirming a district court’s decision to dismiss the cases challenging the local handgun bans. The unanimous decision was written by Chief Judge Easterbrook and joined by Judges Posner and Bauer.

On June 8, law enforcement agents were directed to postings on a web site. The front page of the site contained an entry dated June 2, 2009, that was titled: “OUTRAGE: Chicago Gun Ban UPHELD; Court says ‘Heller’ ruling by Supreme Court not applicable to states or municipalities!” After describing the decision, a lengthy entry followed, which is contained in the complaint affidavit. In addition to proclaiming “These judges deserve to be killed,” the entry notes that it was the same 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that decided the case of Matt Hale, a white-supremacist who was imprisoned after being convicted of soliciting the murder of a U.S. District Court judge in Chicago. The entry further noted that the same judge’s mother and husband were murdered by a gunman in her home. The posting then stated:

“Apparently, the 7th U.S. Circuit court didn’t get the hint after those killings. It appears another lesson is needed.”

The complaint charges that the posting was updated the next morning on June 3, 2009, with the following content:

“Judges official public work addresses and a map of the area are below. Their home addresses and maps will follow soon. Behold these devils.”

Below this headline, the entry listed the names, photos, phone numbers, work addresses and room numbers of the three judges involved in the handgun decision, as well as a photo of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago and a map. The photo of the building had been modified to include arrows and a label referencing “Anti-truck bomb barriers,” according to the affidavit.

If convicted, threatening to assault or murder a federal judge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Court, however, would determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

The government is being represented by Assistant United States Attorneys William Ridgway and William Hogan.

The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

MEDIA CONTACT:

United States Attorney’s Office, 312-353-5300
Northern District of Illinois

Internet Radio Talk Show Host Hal Turner Arrested for Threatening Three Federal Appeals Court Judges in Chicago Over Recent Decision Upholding Handgun Bans | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.