The Gun Violence Prevention PAC supported the Coalition for Safe Chicago Neighborhoods today as they filed a lawsuit against Riverdale, Lyons and Lincolnwood for their methods of licensing and regulating gun shops. These municipalities have consistently failed to take the necessary and most effective steps to discourage the flow of illegal guns into the hands of criminals and gang members.
The suit alleges that the methods of licensing and regulating gun shops used by these municipalities have the effect of increasing the level of violence afflicting African Americans and other minorities in violation of Section 5 of the Illinois Civil Rights Act.
According to a 2014 Chicago Report, these 3 gun shops along with one shop in Gary, Indiana, provide 20% of the guns discovered in Chicago crime scenes. Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy reported that Chicago Police confiscated illegal guns at a rate of one an hour over this past holiday weekend.
The suit was filed this morning followed by a press conference that was covered by several media outlets, including NBC, CBS, ABC, WGN, FOX and the Associated Press.
Since our legislators do not recognize the urgency needed to enact these safety measures across Illinois to protect our children, families and communities, it is now necessary that our battle to save lives be taken to court. We will keep you up to date on the status of the lawsuit.