(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Officials in Deerfield claimed victory Thursday after the Illinois Supreme Court deadlocked and left intact an appellate court decision that upholds the northern suburb’s ban on assault weapons.
Deerfield leaders in 2018 approved an ordinance banning the weapons and large-capacity magazines, following a deadly school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Opponents challenged the local law on the grounds that the village did not have the power under state allowances for “home rule” authority.
A Lake County Circuit Court decision went against the village, but the 2nd District Appellate Court of Illinois reversed the ruling. The Supreme Court’s 3-3 tie, with one justice recusing himself, lets the appellate decision stand, Deerfield officials said.
“We are pleased the Supreme Court validated our right to regulate this important public safety measure. I continue to believe that these weapons have no place in our community,” Mayor Daniel C. Shapiro said in a prepared statement.
Village officials said they’ll continue to enforce the local assault weapons ban through education and voluntary compliance -- and possible citations to people who break the law.
They didn’t rule out searches and seizures that comply with state and federal laws but noted, in a news release, “The Village does not intend to have members of the Police Department go ‘door to door’ to ensure compliance.”
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