CHICAGO — The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) has formally asked the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court ruling that declared Illinois’ assault weapons and magazine bans unconstitutional, arguing the law violates the Second Amendment rights of residents statewide.
The case centers on the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), a law passed in 2023 that restricts the sale and possession of certain semiautomatic rifles and magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
FPC: Illinois Can’t Ban the “Best-Selling Rifle in America”
In its appellate brief filed June 9, FPC argues that Illinois’ ban targets firearms and magazines that are commonly owned for lawful purposes, making the restrictions unlawful under the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen standard.
“The question presented by this case is whether the Second Amendment allows Illinois to ban the best-selling rifle in America and its standard magazine,” the FPC brief states.
“The answer is no.”
The group is urging the court to affirm the district court’s ruling, which sided with plaintiffs in declaring the state’s bans invalid after an extensive evidentiary trial.
Case Background: Harrel v. Raoul
The lawsuit — titled Harrel v. Raoul — was brought by FPC and co-plaintiffs including:
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Illinois State Rifle Association
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Second Amendment Foundation
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Multiple individual Illinois gun owners
The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys David Thompson, Peter Patterson, and William Bergstrom of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, alongside David Sigale.
Full litigation history available at: firearmspolicy.org/harrel
What Happens Next in the Seventh Circuit
The appeals court will now review the district court’s opinion and consider whether the PICA law — which bans so-called “assault weapons” like AR-15-style rifles and “large capacity” magazines — can withstand constitutional scrutiny.
FPC believes the case could eventually land at the U.S. Supreme Court depending on how the Seventh Circuit rules.
“The Seventh Circuit should apply the Supreme Court’s straightforward test and uphold our victory,” said FPC President Brandon Combs.
What’s at Stake for Illinois Gun Owners?
If the appeals court sides with FPC, it could permanently block enforcement of:
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The assault weapons ban
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The 10-round magazine limit
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State-level registration and possession restrictions under PICA
It would also set a legal precedent across multiple Midwestern states within the Seventh Circuit’s jurisdiction, including Indiana and Wisconsin.
Should Illinois be allowed to ban AR-15s and high-capacity magazines — or are these laws unconstitutional overreach?
Sound off now at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
