Illinois recently became the ninth state to ban “assault” rifles, but just days after the law took effect they were already running into one major problem with it: at least 74 sheriff departments in the state refused to enforce it.
This might be the most based thing we’ve seen cops do in a long time.
The sheriffs say they believe the law runs afoul of the Second Amendment, which they vowed to uphold along with the rest of the Constitution when they took office.
Just days after Illinois became the ninth state to ban assault rifles, the state has already hit a roadblock to implementing the law: defiant sheriff's offices. https://t.co/9HYGhEEDQb
— ABC News (@ABC) January 15, 2023
One criticism we often have of police is that they readily enforce unconstitutional laws much of the time, and many frequently violate others. But in this case, the sheriffs have it absolutely right.
According to ABC News, “The offices have vowed to not check if weapons are registered with the state or house individuals arrested only for not complying with the law.”
The state’s governor, J.B. Pritzker threatened to fire police who didn’t enforce this silly new law. It’s silly because there’s no such thing as an “assault” rifle, that’s a made up media term used to scare people. And silly because Illinois already has some of the strictest gun control laws on the books, along with some of the worst gun violence.
With the 74 offices that have publicly stated they will not use resources to enforce elements of the law, that’s nearly 4,000,000 Illinois residents (over 30% of the state) that will be exempted from the stupidity.
Of course, Democrats on social media have not taken the news well, which is something they really examine. Gun control laws are some of the most racist laws in our country, both historically in the ways and reasons they were often passed, and in how they are enforced to this day.
Then fire them and find officers that will enforce the laws
— BigBadWolf4life 🏳️🌈 🇨🇦 (Wear your mask!) (@BigBadW0lf4Life) January 15, 2023
If the Sheriff is not willing to do his job and enforce the law then why have they not been removed?
— Cinner (@CinnersCorner) January 15, 2023
It doesn’t matter whether you agree with the law or not. The job is to enforce the law. What if everyone took the viewpoint of not following the laws we don’t agree with. Ridiculous…have some self respect for the position you hold.
— cesardlg (@cesardlg) January 15, 2023
Weirdly enough, most on the Left have not had this same attitude when other police departments and cities have relaxed enforcement of laws for things like shoplifting—real crimes with real victims. There’s cognitive dissonance to spare around here.
Police should refuse to enforce laws that violate the Constitution and basic civil liberties. If they did this more stringently and consistently our country would be in a much better place. Otherwise what’s the point of an oath to the Constitution to begin with?
Actually they’re supposed to enforce the constitution, baby.
— Hannah Cox (@HannahDCox) January 15, 2023
As for the governor’s threat, it’s important to remember that Sheriffs are elected by the people. The governor has no right to remove any of them from office, only their constituents do.
It shouldn’t be a Left vs Right divide when it comes to supporting government officials who stand up for civil rights and the Constitution. This is a basic guiding principle that absolutely everyone should cheer.
We’re here for it.
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