Skip to main content

Quigley Statement on Chicago Gun Ban Decision, National Threat of Gun Show Loophole

June 28, 2010

CHICAGO - Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the City of Chicago's handgun ban. Earlier this year, Quigley spearheaded the effort of 55 Members of Congress in filing a "friend of the court" amicus brief, urging the Court to allow Chicago's handgun ban to stand, and supporting the right of state and local governments to maintain sensible restrictions on gun possession and use.

"I am disappointed and disheartened by the Supreme Court's decision today. When illegal guns flood our streets, precious lives are lost and communities are destroyed. However, in its decision, the Court specifically noted that laws regulating firearms are still permissible. Under Mayor Daley's leadership, the City of Chicago will now look to enact reasonable restrictions on gun ownership to make it as safe as possible, and I fully support this effort.

While one question was answered today, a much larger and more alarming one looms: Will Congress finally heed the call to enact common-sense gun legislation that would keep weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous segments of society?

Today, there is sensible, bi-partisan legislation before Congress that would close the gun show loophole which inexplicably permits felons, terrorists, and the mentally ill to purchase weapons without a background check. The tragedy at Columbine a decade ago and the recent Pentagon shooting share a common trait: the firearms used in each shooting spree originated from a gun show. A recent gun show audit conducted by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg revealed that 74 percent of sellers approached by investigators completed sales to people who appeared to be criminals or straw purchasers. Inexplicably, special interests and powerful lobbies in Washington have prevented this measure from passing.

It's time to say 'no more.' I plan to work tirelessly in Congress with my willing colleagues to help reclaim the middle ground in this discussion and pass responsible gun laws that make us more safe and more free."

Last year, Quigley co-authored an editorial with Mayor Richard M. Daley on the urgency to allow Chicago to govern its own streets. He has also called for the reinstatement of the assault weapons ban (which expired in 2004) and is fighting to close the gun-show loophole, a lapse in gun-control law that allows unlicensed gun dealers to sell weapons without performing a background check.