Hearing on Concealed Carry in Chicago

Members of the Illinois House Judiciary Committee met Friday in Chicago to discuss how Illinois should proceed with a concealed carry law.

During the hearing, Chicago Police Superintendent Gerry McCarthy told lawmakers that his department recovers more guns than any city in the United States. He said there is no compelling evidence that more of them will make people safer:

“In fact, more guns, even legal guns, in the hands of people on the street, could end up changing hands during robberies, and killing people who possess those firearms – or, can be taken during burglaries and end up becoming illegal guns on the streets of our cities,” he said.
 
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said guns should not be allowed in schools, nursing homes, churches and government-owned and operated buildings.

Chicago Transit Authority President Forrest Claypool said allowing guns on crowded trains and buses would be a “recipe for disaster.''

The hearing follows one held by the same committee earlier this week in Springfield. 

The head of the Illinois State Rifle Association said a court's ruling Friday sends another message to lawmakers that they should legalize the concealed carry of firearms. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday rejected Illinois' request to reconsider a ruling that the state's concealed carry ban is unconstitutional.

Richard Pearson is executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association, and he said the ruling makes clear that courts believe the prohibition violates  Second Amendment rights. He said, if Illinois appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, justices could find other gun restrictions unconstitutional.