7/25/2010 -  Governor Pat Quinn today named members
to his newly-formed Illinois Anti-Violence Commission, asking them to bring a grassroots, community-based approach to confronting the deadly violence facing many Illinois communities.

To read press statement on the appointments, click here.

7/28/10 - Newest Information from the Legal Community against Violence

• Gun Laws Matter: "A Comparison of State Firearms Laws and Statistics"
   
• America Caught in the Crossfire: " How Concealed Carry Laws Threaten Public Safety"

6/28/10 – Supreme Court Decision Overturns Chicago’s Gun Ban

The U.S Supreme Court released its decision in McDonald v. Chicago today, striking down Chicago’s longstanding handgun ban. Today’s ruling is an extension of the Court’s 2008 decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, which struck down Washington, D.C.’s handgun ban and trigger lock requirement, but did not resolve whether this new and controversial interpretation of the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments.

In line with Heller, the Supreme Court emphasized that the ruling does not give U.S. citizens an inalienable right to own a gun. The opinion confirms that common sense gun laws noted in Heller remain presumptively lawful, including “prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill” and “laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places, such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of firearms.”

To read ICPGV’s press statement on the decision, click here.

To read the decision, click here.

Turn Your Outrage into Outreach!

To sign an online petition urging the City of Chicago and the Illinois General Assembly to pass common sense gun laws, click here.

To write a letter to the editor, click here.

To sign up for email action alerts and updates to help pass common sense gun laws, click here.

6/18/10 – In Anticipation of Supreme Court Decision, Chicago Considers Enacting Common Sense Gun Laws

This week the Chicago Tribune reported that Mayor Daley is considering enacting a host of common sense gun laws if Chicago’s longstanding handgun ban is overturned by the Supreme Court in a decision that is expected some time this month.

Mayor Daley stated, “What has happened in this nation is we really believe that guns are better than the law to settle things. We're not talking about hunters and gun collectors, but this whole idea that America should be governed more by guns than by the law. That really disturbs me.”

With the main objective of protecting law enforcement officials and emergency responders from gun injury and death on the job, Mayor Daley noted that the city is considering new gun laws, including a handgun registry, ballistic fingerprinting, firearm safety and training requirements, and strengthened licensing procedures.

Backing up the Mayor’s goal, Julie Leftwich, Legal Director for Legal Community Against Violence, explained that new gun laws have the potential to better regulate gun sales and fill in the gaps in state and federal law.

To read the full article, click here.

Continue to stay tuned for the Supreme Court ruling and ICPGV’s response.

6/9/10 – New Guns Laws Needed if Supreme Court Overturns Gun Ban

This week the Chicago Tribune editorialized in favor of enacting sensible gun laws in the event that the Supreme Court knocks down Chicago’s gun ban. The editorial states, “We believe the high court should allow state and municipalities maximum discretion on firearms law.”

ICPGV could not agree more. Legislation that will keep illegal handguns off our streets, reduce the lethality of firearms, and increase responsibility for gun owners is needed regardless of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Chicago’s handgun ban. Both Illinois and Chicago have an obligation to enact common sense gun laws to protect residents from gun violence.

Stay tuned for the Supreme Court ruling in the coming weeks and ICPGV’s response.

5/27/10 – LCAV Releases Report on Post-Heller Litigation

Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV) is tracking litigation involving Second Amendment challenges to federal, state, and local gun laws following the U.S. Supreme Court Heller decision.

Click here to read LCAV’s analysis of this litigation.

5/27/10 – Illinois General Assembly Adjourns, No Vote on Gun Bills

The General Assembly adjourned for the summer without taking a vote on several gun bills, including ICPGV priority legislation that would require universal background checks (HB 5480), a bill that would ban military-style weapons and ammo (HB 5751), and a dangerous bill that would allow concealed weapons in bars, nightclubs, and large public gatherings (HB 5231). Stand by for updates as ICPGV works to communicate voter support to our legislators for universal background checks and common sense gun laws in Illinois.

5/24/10 – New Study: Gun Violence Affects Urban and Rural Youth Equally

A study to be published in Pediatrics found that children living in most rural areas of the U.S. are just as likely to die from a gunshot as kids in urban areas. While homicides involving guns are more common in urban areas, suicides and accidental shootings with guns are more prevalent in rural regions.

For media coverage on this study, click here.

5/21/10 – Supreme Court Decision on Chicago Gun Ban Anticipated

Within the next six weeks, the Supreme Court will issue its ruling on McDonald v. Chicago, the case which raises the issue of whether the Second Amendment restricts the actions of state and local governments, or only limits the federal government. The Court is reviewing a Seventh Circuit decision that affirmed the dismissal of Second Amendment challenges to handgun bans in Chicago and Oak Park based on prior Supreme Court cases holding that the Amendment applies only to the federal government.

Yesterday, Mayor Daley held a press conference to announce that Chicago will be ready for the “worst case scenario” of the Supreme Court overturning the city’s gun ban policy that has been in place since 1982. The Chicago Sun-Times reported, “Chicago gun owners could be required to take a training course, register their firearms, allow police to perform ballistics tests and even purchase liability insurance.”

To read more coverage of the press conference, click here.

5/14/10 – Deadline for action on gun bills extended

While there was not a vote on ICPGV’s priority bills before the Illinois House last week, the deadline for action on HB 5480 (Universal Background Checks) has been extended to May 28th. However, the General Assembly has adjourned and is not expected to return until the week of May 24th to enact the budget, which must be passed by May 31st in order to avoid a required 3/5 majority vote.

 5/6/10 – House vote on gun bills expected today!

Several gun bills are expected to be voted on by the House today. If these bills pass, they are one step closer to becoming law. Please call or email your Representative today and ask them to SUPPORT these critical measures that will help keep deadly firearms off our streets and urge them to OPPOSE an extremely dangerous concealed carry bill.

SUPPORT HB 5480 (Osterman) - This bill will require universal background checks for all handgun transactions. Private handgun sellers would be required to conduct background checks on buyers to prevent gang members, domestic violence offenders, felons, and individuals with severe mental illness from accessing handguns.

SUPPORT HB 5751 (Acevedo) - This bill will ban the sale and ownership of dangerous military-style weapons and ammunition to protect law enforcement, children, and families.

OPPOSE HB 5231 (Bradley) - This bill will allow business owners and their employees to carry concealed firearms in places where guns should never be allowed - large public gatherings where children, youth, and families congregate and businesses that sell alcohol, such as bars and night clubs. Furthermore, under HB 5231, law enforcement would have no discretion as to whether these individuals should be allowed to carry concealed weapons and would have no knowledge of who is carrying concealed weapons.

4/30/10 – Busy week for gun violence prevention in Illinois

There has been a flurry of activity this week, in terms of gun-related legislation and gun violence prevention news in Illinois.

Universal background check bill to be heard in House Exec Committee

On Monday, May 3rd, critical legislation that will help prevent gun violence in Illinois by requiring background checks for all handgun sales (HB 5480 – Rep Osterman) will be heard in the House Executive Committee. In addition, a dangerous bill (SB 1840 – Sen Forby) that would lower the age that a person may apply for and be issued a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card without the consent of a parent or legal guardian from 21 years of age to 18 will be heard in the same committee next week.

Please call the members of the House Executive Committee and ask them to SUPPORT HB 5480 and OPPOSE SB 1840 today.

• Chair - Rep Daniel Burke (D-Chicago) | (217) 782-1117
• Vice Chair - Rep Joseph Lyons (D-Chicago) | (217) 782-8400
• Rep Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) | (217) 782-1118
• Rep Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago) | (217) 782-2855
• Rep Luis Arroyo (D-Chicago) | (217) 782-0480
• Rep Maria Antonia Berrios (D-Chicago) | (217) 558-1032
• Rep Bob Biggins (R-Elmhurst) | (217) 782-6578
• Rep Robert Rita (D-Blue Island) | (217) 558-1000
• Rep Ed Sullivan, Jr. (R-Mundelein) | (217) 782-3696
• Rep Michael Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) | (217) 782-0432
• Rep Arthur Turner (D-Chicago) | (217) 782-8116

Ask your Representative to oppose dangerous concealed carry bill

HB 5231, an extremely dangerous concealed carry bill sponsored by Representative John Bradley, is ready for a House floor vote. This bill would allow business owners and their employees to carry concealed firearms in places where guns should never be allowed - large public gatherings where children, youth, and families congregate and businesses that sell alcohol, such as bars and night clubs. Furthermore, under HB 5231, law enforcement would have no discretion as to whether these individuals should be allowed to carry concealed weapons and would have no knowledge of who is carrying concealed weapons.

Please take action and ask your Representative to oppose HB 5231 now.

One-gun-a-month bill ready for House floor vote

HB 5495, an important bill on ICPGV’s policy agenda sponsored by Representative William Burns, is also ready for a House floor vote. This legislation will help prevent the flow of illegal guns to criminals by limiting handgun sales and purchases to one per person per month, making it more difficult for gun traffickers to buy handguns in bulk for the purpose of selling on the illegal market.

Click here to ask your Representative to support HB 5495.

Gun violence prevention in the news

On Sunday, April 25th, state lawmakers, Representative John Fritchey and Representative La Shawn Ford, held a press conference calling upon Governor Quinn and Mayor Daley to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago to help control gun violence in the city. Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weiss and Mayor Daley responded, arguing that troops were not the solution to gun violence and urged state lawmakers in Springfield to take action on gun violence prevention legislation. Two days later, municipal leaders from around the world met in Chicago for the 2010 Richard J. Daley Global Cities Forum held at the University of Illinois, Chicago. A discussion was held on guns, the impact of gun violence on cities, as well as lax regulation and oversight of the gun industry. More than a dozen mayors attending the conference agreed to a resolution calling for a new level of international cooperation among themselves, their governments and other entities to address the challenges presented by guns and gun violence. In addition, Mayor Daley proposed filing a lawsuit against the gun industry in the World Court.

The following day, after the urging of Mayor Daley and Chicago Alderman lobbying in Springfield, the Illinois Senate unanimously passed legislation making unlawful use of a weapon a non-probationable offense — punishable by one to three years in prison — whenever the offender carries a loaded weapon and has no valid Firearms Owners Identification (FOID) card. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.

Click here to read media coverage about these recent events.

4/23/10 – Escalating Gun Violence in Illinois

• “Toddler dies from suspected retaliation shooting,” Chicago Tribune.
   
•  “Wave of shootings leaves seven dead in 12 hours,” Chicago Sun-Times.
   
• “Gunfire calls average more than one a day,” Rockford Register Star.

4/15/10 – Mentally ill father shoots and kills family in Marquette Park

The horrific shooting in Marquette Park that resulted in the deaths of a seven-month-old baby boy, his pregnant mother, a three-year-old girl, and a 16-year-old pregnant young woman, and additionally injured an adult and child, underscores the urgent need to ensure that criminals and individuals with mental illness are not able to access guns. The suspected shooter told police that he heard voices urging him to kill his family.

To read more about this tragic shooting, click here.

News coverage following ICPGV press conference at Children's Memorial Hospital

Chicago's local Fox News affiliate interviewed a trauma surgeon, Dr. Marie Crandall of Northwestern Hospital, about the human and immense financial costs of gun violence. In addition, Dr. Crandall urged state lawmakers to enact legislation to require background checks on all gun sales.

• Click here to watch the video.
   
• To read the press release for the event, "Medical Professionals Urge State Lawmakers to Support Handgun Background Checks," click here.
   
• Click here for the new ICPGV fact sheet, "The Public Health Costs of Gun Violence."
   
• Take a minute and write a letter to the editor about the health care costs of gun violence.

UCAN releases 2009 Teen Gun Survey

The latest national Teen Gun Survey revealed that more than one in four teens know someone who has been shot – and more than one in three teens fear being shot someday. Twelve percent of teens say that at least one student from their school has been killed by gun violence in the past year.

In addition:

• One in three teens say they could get a handgun if they really wanted to, including nearly half of 16-18-year-old males
   
• Eight in 10 teens agree that American culture glamorizes guns and violence
   
• Nearly 6 in 10 teens say America would be a safer place without handguns

Click here for the entire survey.

4/8/10 – Recent Rash of Gun Violence in Illinois – 31 Shootings Injure 40, Kill 3

In the past week, there has been a rash of shootings in Illinois that have injured 40 people, including 14-year-old Danny Gilmore. Gilmore, a freshman at Douglass Academy High School, was shot three times in front of a convenience store before going to school. He is now paralyzed and will need extensive physical therapy.

To read more about these recent shootings, click here.

4/1/10 – Washington Park Illinois Mayor Shot to Death

Mayor John Thornton of Washington Park was shot and killed today in the downstate village he served, just blocks away from his home. Washington Park is located just outside of East St. Louis, a community plagued by gun violence.

For media coverage on the shooting, click here.

3/25/10 – Spring is Here in Illinois: General Assembly Takes a Break, Law Enforcement Prepares for More Gun Violence

For the Illinois General Assembly spring time means taking a break - from March 29th through April 9th policymakers will be back in their districts and there won’t be any legislative activity. For law enforcement officers and communities across Illinois, the warmer temperatures of spring mean more gang and gun violence.

To read about recent incidents of gun violence in Illinois, click here.

While the General Assembly is on break, here are three simple things you can do to prevent gun violence:

1. Ask your friends and family to join the ICPGV Rapid Response Network! ICPGV needs more people like you to help pass common sense gun laws in Illinois. The more that legislators hear from constituents like you, the more they are likely to have the political courage to stand up to the gun lobby.
   
   Please, ask your friends and family to join the ICPGV Rapid Response Network.
   
    
2. How has gun violence affected you? Share your story today. On average, three people are killed by guns every single day in Illinois. For every person killed by gun violence, two more are injured and survive. Gun violence affects us all, but statistics alone don't communicate the devastation caused by guns. The media and our elected officials need to hear your stories.
   
   Take a minute and share how gun violence has affected you, your family, or your community.
    
3. Take action to help stop dangerous gun bills from advancing. Several dangerous gun bills are currently advancing through the General Assembly, including legislation that would allow the carrying of concealed, loaded handguns in public (HB 462) and a bill that would lower the minimum age to buy and own guns from 21 years of age to 18 (SB 1840).

   Help stop these bills from passing - email your Representative now and tell them to oppose HB 462 and SB 1840!

3/18/10 – Legislative and Media News

New Fact Sheet in Response to Bill that Will Lower the Minimum Age to Buy and Own Guns. SB 1840 (Forby), a bill that would lower the age that a person may apply for and be issued a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card without the consent of a parent or legal guardian to 18 years of age, passed through the Senate and is now in the House.

By lowering the FOID card age to 18, young adults ages 18-20 would be able to purchase handguns, rifles (including large capacity military-style assault weapons and rifles), and shotguns from unlicensed dealers (i.e., private sellers) without background checks. They would also be able to purchase rifles and shotguns from licensed gun dealers at gun stores and gun shows.

Click here for the new fact sheet on why legislators should oppose
SB 1840.

Email your Representative today and ask them to oppose SB 1840.

Military-Style Weapon and Ammo Ban Bill Passes through House Cmte! HB 5751 (Acevedo) passed through Executive Committee and is headed for a House vote. This measure would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell and possess semiautomatic assault weapons, large capacity ammunition feeding devices and 50 caliber sniper rifles and cartridges.

Click here for more information on banning military-style weapons and ammunition and HB 5751.

Report on NIU Valentine’s Day Massacre Shooter Released. The Northern Illinois University released a 300 page report, including a psychological profile, analyzing what may have driven Steven Kazmierczak to plan and execute one of the worst college shootings ever. The report states that Kazmierczak had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a severe mental illness characterized by a “combination of schizophrenia and a mood disorder such as manic-depression.” In addition, he owned four guns and purchased three more, as well as Glock magazines, in the months preceding the shootings (Chicago Tribune, 3/18). For media coverage on the report, click here.

Meanwhile, the gun lobby remains opposed to legislation that will help keep dangerous weapons away from individuals like Kazmierczak. They remain opposed to legislation that would require background checks for all gun sales to help determine whether a person is prohibited from owning a gun because of their mental illness. And they are opposed to legislation that would ban the military-style weapons and ammo favored by school shooters. In addition, the gun lobby continues to support legislation that will make it easier for young adults and college students, including those with mental illness, to access firearms. People like Kazmierczak should not be able to access guns.

Make a difference and take action on pending legislation today

 3/11/10 – Update on Media and Legislation

In the News: Gun Violence Affects All of Illinois

Gun violence is not just a Chicago problem – it affects all of Illinois, including suburban communities and smaller cities and towns. This fact is highlighted by the recent triple shooting of a mother, father, and son in Darien and other recent headlines the news:

• 3/11/10 – “Three teens shot in Schaumberg,” Chicago Tribune.
   

• 3/2/10 – “Couple, son shot dead in Darien,” Chicago Sun-Times.
   

• 2/23/10 – “Two assault rifles found in fraternity room of alleged NIU shooter,” Chicago Breaking News.
   

• 2/16/10 – “Man shoots wife, self in Niles,” Chicago Breaking News.
   

• 2/5/10 – “Man fired 23 shots before killing himself,” Chicago Tribune

Common Sense Gun Laws Advancing! 

New Bill Number for Universal Background Check Bill – The bill number for the universal background check legislation is now Senate Bill 3709 (Kotowski). This bill was assigned to Senate Public Health Committee and is expected to be heard by the Subcommittee on Special Issues next week.

We urge you to call the members of the Subcommittee and ask them to SUPPORT SB 3709. Click here to call now!

And don’t forget to ask your Senator to support and co-sponsor SB 3709!

Gun Transport Bill Advances – Representative Osterman’s bill,
HB 5849, which more narrowly defines what constitutes an acceptable container to transport firearms, passed through Executive Committee yesterday, March 10^th. This bill is an important measure will help clarify the 2009 state Supreme Court ruling which determined that the law was so broad that it would cover any receptacle, portable or not, including the console of a vehicle. HB 5849 would define an acceptable “container” as one “designed for the safe transportation of firearms.”

Legislation that will Erode Gun Regulations Moving Forward

Bill that will Lower FOID Card Age to 18 Ready Passes Through Senate – SB 1840 (Forby), which would lower the age that a person may apply for and be issued a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card without the consent of a parent or legal guardian to 18 from 21 years of age, passed through the Senate and is now in the House.

The minimum age requirement of 21 years is intended to decrease youth access to firearms and decrease the number of suicides, homicides, and unintentional shootings of children and youth. This is a dangerous bill that will make it even easier for young adults with mental illness and youth involved in gangs to access guns.

Currently in Illinois, young adults and teens under the age of 21 can apply and be issued a FOID card with the consent of their parents or guardian, which means that parents are aware that their child is buying a gun. Under this bill, parents would not know if their college-aged children are purchasing firearms.

We urge you to tell your Representative to oppose SB 1840!

Legislation Allowing Firearm Exchanges without Waiting Period Passes in the House – HB 4835 (Reis), a bill that would eliminate the mandatory waiting period for firearm exchanges, passed through the House today (March 11^th). 

3/5/10 – Update on Gun Bills

Several gun bills are advancing through the Illinois General Assembly next week:

Universal background check legislation -  Senate Bill 3632 (Kotowski) was reassigned to Senate Public Health Committee and is expected to be heard by the Subcommittee on Special Issues this Tuesday, March 9th.

We urge you to call the members of the Subcommittee and ask them to SUPPORT SB 3632.

Concealed carry legislation -  HB 462 (Phelps) is expected to pass through committee and be called for a House floor vote. This bill would allow for the carrying of concealed guns, including loaded firearms, in public and would also preempt the home rule authority of local governments to regulate concealed weapons. In fact, a local government would be required to pass an ordinance just to restrict guns in its own buildings.

We need your help to stop this dangerous bill from advancing.

Click here to email your Representative and ask them to OPPOSE
HB 462!

 3/1/10 – McDonald v. City of Chicago Supreme Court Oral Arguments Begin March 2nd

The Supreme Court will begin hearing oral arguments on McDonald v. City of Chicago. McDonald v. Chicago is a Supreme Court case which raises the issue of whether the Second Amendment restricts the actions of state and local governments, or only limits the federal government. The Court is reviewing a Seventh Circuit decision that affirmed the dismissal of Second Amendment challenges to handgun bans in Chicago and Oak Park based on prior Supreme Court cases holding that the Amendment applies only to the federal government.

Because the Court’s decision will have profound implications for state and local governments and their ability to implement public safety laws that suit their own communities, it is more important that advocates remain committed to supporting the enactment of common sense gun laws.

2/26/10 – Universal Background Check Bill Assigned to Criminal Law Committee

Senate Bill 3632 (Kotowski) is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Wednesday, March 3rd.

Right now in Illinois, anyone - including gang members, people with severe mental illness, and domestic violence offenders - can buy a gun from a private seller with no questions asked. SB 3632 will close this dangerous loophole and prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands.

For a fact sheet on universal background checks, click here.

We urge you to call or email members of the Criminal Law Committee and ask them to SUPPORT SB 3632.

• Chair – Sen Michael Noland (D-Elgin) | (217) 782-7746 info@noland.org
• Vice Chair – Sen Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) | (217) 782-5338 raoul@senatedem.state.il.us
• Sen William Haine (D-Alton) | (217) 782-5247 senhaine@cbnstl.com
• Sen A. J. Wilhelmi (D-Crest Hill) | (217) 782-8800 aj@ajwilhelmi.com
• Sen John Millner (R-Bloomingdale) | (217) 782-8192 district28@senategop.state.il.us
• Sen Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) | (217) 782-0180 senatorbivins@grics.net
• Sen Kirk Dillard (R-Westmont) | (217) 782-8148 senator@kdillard.com
• Sen Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) | (217) 782-6674 drighter@consolidated.net

Don’t Forget to Ask your Senator to Support and Co-Sponsor
SB 3632.

In addition, to contacting committee members, please take the time to contact your Senator and urge them to support and co-sponsor SB 3632. Click here to email your Senator instantly!

2/18/10 – Illinois Receives 28 out of 100 Points on Gun Law Scorecard

Illinois scored 28 out of 100 points on the Brady Campaign’s annual scorecard. The Brady State Scorecard is critical for state lawmakers to find out where their state gun laws are weak and how they can improve them to keep dangerous guns out of the hands of criminals. The categories covered by 2009 Brady Campaign State Scorecards are as follows:

• Curb Firearms Trafficking
• Strengthening Brady Background Checks
• Protecting Child Safety
• Banning Military-style Assault Weapons

• Guns In Public Places

For more details on Illinois’s score, click here.

Update on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

Several gun violence prevention bills have been introduced in the past week, including:

• Universal Background Checks– SB 3632 (Kotowski) / HB 5480 (Osterman)

• Licensing Handgun Dealers– SB 3092 (Harmon) / HB 5734 (Graham)

• Banning Military Style Weapons and Ammo– SB 3036 (Munoz) / HB 5751 (Acevedo)

• Restricting Multiple Handgun Sales – HB 5495 (Burns)

2/11/10 – Universal Background Check Legislation Introduced in Senate

Today, Senator Kotowski introduced legislation (SB 3632) to ensure that background checks are conducted for all private handgun transactions.  The bill requires private transactions to be conducted at the business of a federally licensed gun dealer (FFL), who would conduct the background check for a small fee. 

In addition, under SB 3632, any person who knowingly sells or gives firearms to street gang members would be guilty of a Class 1 felony.

Click here for the ICPGV fact sheet on SB 3632.

Tell your Senator to co-sponsor SB 3632 today.

Please take the time to contact your Senator and urge them to co-sponsor SB 3632.

Right now in Illinois, anyone – including gang members, people with severe mental illness, and domestic violence offenders – can buy a gun from a private seller with no questions asked.

Senator Kotowski has introduced legislation to close this dangerous loophole and prevent guns from reaching gang members. Now he needs your help to add co-sponsors to the bill.

Click here to email your Senator and ask them to co-sponsor SB 3632.

1/13/10 – Check Out LCAV’s New Brochure on State Concealed Carry Laws

Legal Community Against Violence’s new publication, America Caught in the Crossfire: How Concealed Carry Laws Threaten Public Safety, examines the public safety risks created by weak laws governing the concealed carrying of firearms in public places. The brochure provides an overview of the wide range of carrying laws across the country, highlights emerging policy issues, examines research on the use of firearms in self-defense, considers the impact of the Second Amendment, and provides common sense policy recommendations to reduce the risks created by permissive carrying laws.

As explained in America Caught in the Crossfire:

• State concealed carry laws (commonly known as "CCW" laws) vary widely. In some states, individuals must demonstrate a justifiable need to carry a concealed weapon. The vast majority of states, however, do not require “good cause,” and mandate the issuance of a license to anyone who meets minimal requirements.
   
• Most existing CCW permitting schemes are full of dangerous gaps, allowing too many people to carry weapons in too many public places.
   
• Contrary to the claims of the gun lobby, research shows that permissive CCW laws do not decrease crime. In fact, these laws may increase crime.
   
• Federal legislative proposals that would require states to recognize other states' CCW permits interfere with a state's ability to set strong permit requirements. Only persons who qualify for and acquire an in-state permit should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon within a state.
   
• The Second Amendment presents no barrier to strong regulation of concealed weapons.
   
• States that choose to permit the carrying of concealed weapons may adopt common sense policies to reduce the risks created by permissive CCW laws.

12/17/09 – National Poll Shows Even Gun Owners and NRA Members Support Common Sense Gun Laws, Meanwhile Gun Lobby Pushes to Weaken Gun Laws

A recent poll conducted on behalf of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) found that:

• 82% of NRA members and 86% of non-NRA gun owners support prohibiting suspected terrorists from purchasing guns.
• 69% of NRA members and 85% of non-NRA gun owners support background checks for all gun sales at gun shows.
• 78% of NRA members and 88% of non-NRA gun owners support requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen guns.

The poll also shows a major split between the views of NRA members and the organization's leadership:

"I am a staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights, and a staunch supporter of this coalition," said Mayor Mary Lou Hildreth of Keystone Heights, Florida, a gun owner, a member of the NRA, and a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. "This poll shows that when it comes to ensuring that all guns sold at gun shows are subject to a background check - the vast majority of NRA members agree with America's mayors."

For recent media coverage on the polling, click here

At the same time, the gun lobby has been working to eliminate and loosen laws that prevent gun violence across the nation. A nationwide examination by The Associated Press found that, “over the last two years, 24 states, mostly in the South and West, have passed 47 new laws loosening gun restrictions.” These efforts are part of a “coordinated approach to respect that human, God-given right of self defense by law-abiding Americans," says Chris W. Cox, chief lobbyist for the NRA. "We'll rest when all 50 states allow and respect the right of law-abiding people to defend themselves from criminal attack."

11/17/09 –New Website Tracks Gun Deaths Related to Concealed Carry Permit Holders

Concealed handgun permit holders killed eight law enforcement officers and 77 private citizens (including 10 shooters who killed themselves after an attack) during the period May 2007 through October 2009 according to a new Violence Policy Center (VPC) on-line resource that tallies news reports of such killings.

The web site, CCW Killers, is located here and is updated monthly to include new fatal shootings and changes in the legal status of concealed handgun permit holders facing criminal charges. (Any concealed handgun permit holders who are eventually acquitted of their alleged crimes are not included in the tallies maintained on the site although the facts surrounding the shooting are detailed.)

The new VPC web site offers detailed descriptions of the 46 incidents, which occurred in 18 states. Of these incidents, 10 were murder-suicides involving firearms and eight were mass shootings (three or more victims) that claimed as many as 11 lives at a time. Law enforcement officers were killed in Florida (two incidents), Idaho, Ohio, and Pennsylvania (two incidents). All of the law enforcemenkillings were committed with guns.

10/27/09 – Illinois State Police Statewide Crime Index Shows Small Decrease in Overall Crime, but Increase in Murder, Burglary, and Robbery

The Illinois State Police (ISP) released its statewide crime rate index today, showing a 0.3 percent decrease in crime in 2008 from the previous year, but an increase in burglary, murder, and robbery. Reports of arson had the largest decrease of 10 percent. Burglary increased by 4 percent and murder and robbery both increased by over 3 percent.

ISP is involved with several initiatives to help reduce the trend of increasing homicides, including the following efforts to trace and seize illegal firearms:

• High intensity patrol tactics in high crime areas of Chicago suburbs to reduce guns within those communities. The Violent Crime Initiative resulted in the seizure of 48 weapons in 2008.
   
• Partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to trace guns seized in crimes to determine how those guns ended up in the hands of a criminal. The FOID system allows law enforcement to restrict gun purchases to non-felons.
   
• Participation in the East St. Louis Violence Crime Suppression Initiative which combines federal, state, and local law enforcement to target gun violence in the East St. Louis metropolitan area.

 To read the press release for the ISP crime rate index, click here.

10/8/09 – When Children with Illegal Firearms Rule

The Chicago Tribune printed a compelling opinion piece today written by Ellen Alberding, President of The Joyce Foundation:

When children with illegal firearms rule
By Ellen S. Alberding

The horrific murder of Chicago honor student Derrion Albert has the world's attention, in part because it was caught on video. President Barack Obama sent Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Attorney General Eric Holder to Chicago this week to talk with students, school officials and others about school and youth violence.

We welcome the opportunity to talk about a comprehensive strategy to combat youth violence. But let's remember that the beating death of Derrion is in some ways unusual.

Every week young people here and in other cities are slain. Some are beaten like Derrion but in the great majority of cases the weapon of choice is a gun.

In the last two years, more than 500 Chicago Public School students have been shot. From January through August, 152 young people have been murdered in Chicago and 80 percent were killed by guns.

Any effort to reduce violence has to recognize that easy access to firearms is inextricably linked to violence involving youth.

We have made it easier for young people to get guns and harder for law enforcement, parents, teachers, and local government to control access to them. Every year thousands of students across the nation are caught bringing guns to school. In Chicago, 5 percent of high school students say that they have brought a gun to school at least once in the past month.

How can this be tolerated?

We have to insist that anyone who buys a gun must pass a background check, so we can prevent criminals, minors and those with mental illness from getting their hands on deadly weapons.

We should increase the regulation and oversight of licensed gun dealers and call on law enforcement to trace the flow of illegal handguns and assault weapons that end up in the hands of street gangs or drug dealers.

We should stop tying the hands of federal law enforcement agencies by forbidding them to require dealer inventory checks and forcing them to destroy background check records that could be used to investigate gun crimes.

We should ask our elected officials why military-style weapons and ammunition are legally available to civilians.

We should work to identify and expand the best school and community-based programs to ensure that at-risk youth have a chance to graduate and thrive.

Mayor Richard Daley and Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman have addressed youth violence head-on. More than 450 mayors across the country have come together as Mayors Against Illegal Guns to demand tougher policies. But local officials can't do it alone.

We were glad to see Holder and Duncan in Chicago to draw attention to these tragedies. We're glad to see Obama's attention to this. We hope that signals a change in Washington. In recent years, Congress has put less emphasis on the ready access to guns.

That's where any comprehensive response to youth violence has to start.

Ellen S. Alberding is president of The Joyce Foundation


10/7/09 – Chicago Youth Violence Draws National Attention

The recent brutal murder of Derrion Albert has sparked national media coverage of Chicago’s epidemic youth violence, including the role of guns in the problem. Click here to read recent media coverage.

9/16/09 – US Senate Votes to Allow Guns on Amtrak

Today the Senate approved an amendment introduced by Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi to a housing and transportation spending bill. The Wicker Amendment will allow Amtrak riders to carry unloaded and locked handguns in checked baggage. Senator Durbin of Illinois opposed the bill stating, "Amtrak doesn't have the security infrastructure, the processes or the trained personnel in place to ensure that checked firearms would not be lost, damaged, stolen or misused."

Click here to read media coverage on the vote.

9/3/09 – New National Study Concludes that Regulation of Private Gun Sales is Needed to Prevent Gun Violence

The Violence Prevention Research Program at the UC Davis Health System released a new study yesterday, titled Inside Gun Shows: What goes on When Everybody Thinks Nobody's Watching. The research concludes that there is a vast secondary market that takes place at gun shows, where guns are sold without background checks and documentation, and states need to regulate private sales of firearms and require universal background checks.

Click here to read media coverage on the study.

8/27/09– Governor Quinn Signs HB 182 into Law

ICPGV is extremely disappointed to announce that Governor Quinn signed HB 182 into law. This bill will allow individuals to carry concealed weapons into other people's homes.

Gun violence is a serious problem in Illinois, with an average of three residents being shot and killed daily, and HB 182 is a step in the wrong direction for our state.

Looking forward to the 2010 Legislative Session, we must redouble our efforts to pass common sense gun laws and fight against the gun lobby's extremist agenda. We need your help.

We also want to thank all of you who contacted Governor Quinn and asked him veto this dangerous bill. Please take a moment to email Governor Quinn and express your disappointment in his support of HB 182.

8/17/09 - If you have not already taken action, please contact Governor Quinn now and urge him to veto HB 182!

This dangerous gun bill, which is supported by the gun lobby, is still at the Governor's desk.  HB 182 would change Illinois law governing the concealed carrying of handguns and allow a person to carry a concealed handgun into another person's home. 

To email Governor Quinn, click here.

Bottom line - this is a bad law. Guns in the home increase the chances of homicide, suicide and accidents and concealed weapons anywhere are dangerous. In the past month, we have seen just how dangerous concealed weapons can be, with the recent shooting in Pittsburgh where a concealed weapon permit holder shot and killed three women and wounded nine others at a fitness club.

Right now Governor Quinn is signing bills, so it is critical that he hears from voters like you about why he should veto HB 182.

7/30/09 – New Study Shows that Concealed Handgun Permit Holders Kill 7 Police, 44 Private Citizens over a Two-Year Period

Concealed handgun permit holders killed at least seven police officers and 44 private citizens in 31 incidents during the period May 2007 through April 2009 according to a new study by the Violence Policy Center.

Click here to read the study.

7/17/09 – Urgent: Vote Anticipated on Federal Concealed Carry Gun Amendment

Dangerous Amendment Throws Out State Standards for Concealed Carrying of Weapons

The gun lobby has attached a dangerous amendment to a defense authorization bill that would force states that allow the carrying of concealed handguns to recognize concealed carry licenses issued by other states.

Senator John Thune (R-SD) has introduced Amendment No. 1618 to the defense authorization bill (S. 1390) and the Senate will vote on it this Monday evening, July 20th.

Although Illinois would be exempt because our state prohibits the concealed carrying of weapons, this amendment would create a major inroad to passing concealed carry in Illinois. Furthermore, this amendment would increase illegal gun trafficking nationwide.

We need you to contact your U.S. Senators immediately and ask them to OPPOSE Senator Thune's Concealed Carry Amendment (No. 1618) to the defense authorization bill S. 1390.

To email your Senators, click here.

Or call your Senators:

Senator Richard Durbin 202-224-2152
Senator Roland Burris 202-224-2854

Tell them: “As a constituent, I urge the Senator to oppose Amendment No. 1618 to the defense authorization bill (S. 1390) and to vote no on the gun lobby’s concealed carry legislation in any form.”

6/30/09 – Startling New Statistics from the Illinois Violence Death Reporting System (IVDRS)

• The overall homicide rate for Cook, Kane, and Peoria counties is 10.4 deaths per 100,000 residents, much higher than the rate for Illinois (6.7) and the U.S. (6.2).
   
• 74% of homicide victims in the three-county area were killed by guns.
   
• Women were much more likely to die in intimate-partner related incidents than men. In Cook, Kane, and Peoria counties, 73% of the victims were women.
   
• Women were more likely to be killed with a gun in intimate-partner related incidents in the three-county area than by any other means.

IVDRS is a project conducted by the Child Health Data Lab at Children’s Memorial Research Center. Click here to read the most recent newsletter.

We Still Need Your Help to Stop HB 182 from Becoming Law – Take Action Now!

HB 182 would change Illinois law governing the concealed carrying of handguns and allow a person to carry a concealed handgun into another person's home. This dangerous bill that will threaten public safety is now at the Governor’s desk. We urge you to contact Governor Quinn and ask him to veto this bill.

• Click here to email Governor Quinn
• Click here for the “Oppose HB 182” fact sheet.

6/11/09 – NRA Continues to Support Greater Access to Guns as Innocent People Die

This week, after opening fire with a rifle, a mentally ill anti-Semitic gunman shot and killed a security guard at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC. The murder is the most recent of numerous high-profile shootings in 2009.

In the meantime, the NRA has continued to push for legislation both nationally and in Illinois to increase access to guns.

We Need Your Help to Stop the NRA: Urge Governor Quinn to Veto HB 182!

House Bill 182, a dangerous bill that will threaten public safety, is now at the Governor’s desk. HB 182 would change Illinois law governing the concealed carrying of handguns and allow a person to carry a concealed handgun into another person's home. Since 1961, Illinois has prohibited the carrying of concealed firearms outside of an individual’s land, abode, or fixed place of business.

• Click here to take action.
• Click here for the “Oppose HB 182” fact sheet.

 6/4/09 – This Week….

U.S. Court of Appeals upholds Chicago and Oak Park Gun Laws!

In a unanimous decision announced Tuesday, June 2nd, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that the Second Amendment does not apply to state or local governments. In doing so, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of complaints filed by the National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation alleging that the Illinois municipalities' prohibitions on the possession of handguns violated the Second Amendment. The case is an important victory for communities across Illinois struggling to protect their residents from gun violence.

Legal Community Against Violence filed an amicus brief in support of Chicago and Oak Park that can be viewed here. The NRA v. Chicago and Oak Park opinion can be viewed here.

Click here to read media coverage about the ruling.

HB 182 Passes, Dangerous Bill Headed to Governor Quinn’s Desk

 We urge you to call or email Governor Quinn and ask him to veto HB 182. This dangerous bill would change Illinois law governing the concealed carrying of handguns and threaten public safety. Since 1961, Illinois has prohibited the carrying of concealed firearms outside of an individual’s land, abode, or fixed place of business. HB 182 will allow a person to carry a concealed handgun into another person's home.

• Click here to take action.
• Click here for the “Oppose HB 182” fact sheet.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, June 6th – We Demand Peace Rally

Time: 12 Noon
Where: Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn)
For More Information: 773-483-4300

Click here to print the flyer.

Wednesday, June 10th – Safe Summer Celebration and Peace Walk

Time: 3:00 – 6:00pm Food and Entertainment, Peace Walk starts at 6pm
Where: United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 West Morse Ave., Chicago

 Click here to print the flyer.

Saturday, June 20th – ICPGV Presents an Interfaith Forum to Address Gun Violence

Time: 1:30 – 3:15pm
Where: Sikh Religious Society, 1280 Winnetka Street, Palatine
RSVP: Mark Walsh at mark@icpgv.org  or call Michelle Jordan at (312) 602-3330

Click here to print the flyer.

5/28/09 –House Floor Vote on HB 182 Anticipated

Urge Your State Representative to Oppose HB 182 – Dangerous Bill Would Allow Concealed Handguns into People’s Homes and Threaten Public Safety

HB 182 would change Illinois law governing the concealed carrying of handguns and threaten public safety. Since 1961, Illinois has prohibited the carrying of concealed firearms outside of an individual’s land, abode, or fixed place of business. HB 182 will allow a person to carry a concealed handgun into another person's home.

Bottom line - this is a bad law. Guns in the home increase the chances of homicide, suicide and accidents. Just imagine:

• A domestic violence offender, who is a prohibited purchaser and not allowed to have a gun, calls his friend to come over to his house with his gun to intimidate his partner.
   
• A drug dealer selling drugs out of his home has armed bodyguards to avoid being charged with unlawful possession.
   
• A young adult throws a house party, friends come over carrying guns, and it quickly gets out of control.

We urge you to call or email your Representative and ask them to oppose HB 182. Click here to take action.  Click here for the “Oppose HB 182” fact sheet.

5/21/09 – URGENT: TAKE ACTION ON HB 182 NOW!

This week, HB 182 was amended again to allow a person to carry or possess a firearm, concealed or openly, on the land or in the legal dwelling of another person as an “invitee” with that person's “permission.” The bill passed out of the Senate and will now go back to the House Floor for a vote on the new amendment.

Bottom line, as amended, HB 182 would remove an important tool law enforcement currently has to protect the public from a threatening or suspicious person who is armed. Under HB 182, before arresting a person for unlawful possession, law enforcement would have to make a complex determination based on a vague standard. Law enforcement would have to determine whether the armed person is an "invitee", determine who owns t and or dwelling, discover the whereabouts of the owner, and decide whether the owner gave permission for the suspicious person to carry a concealed weapon on the premises.

• We urge you to call or email your Representative and ask them to oppose HB 182. Click here to take action.
   
• Click here for the “Oppose HB 182” fact sheet.

5/14/09 – Gun Lobby Attempt to Pass Bill Allowing Open and Concealed Carry in Illinois Amended and Held in Committee

ICPGV is closely following HB 182, a bill which, as previously amended in the House, would have allowed a person to carry or possess a firearm on or about his or her person in any legal dwelling or any place where he or she is an “invitee.” A person is an invitee in any place that he or she enters for a purpose connected to the property owner’s business or other activity permitted on the premises. For example, Illinois courts have decided that customers of businesses and restaurants, spectators at sporting events, job applicants, and babysitters are invitees. In short, this version of the bill would have allowed concealed carry in Illinois without any permitting system or law enforcement discretion. Only two other states, Alaska and Vermont, have laws that are as lax as what this version of HB 182 proposed.

Last Tuesday, Senator Don Harmon amended this dangerous and extreme bill, removing the language that would allow “invitees” to carry firearms. The bill is currently being held in Executive Committee.

5/7/09 – CNN Reports on Escalating Number of Chicago Youth Killed by Guns

Thirty six Chicago Public School students have been killed this school year, most to gun violence. Opinion leaders have called for common sense gun laws in both local and national media, youth have rallied and advocated in support of universal background checks in Springfield and Chicago, and Illinois voters have shown strong support for sensible gun laws in recent, bipartisan polling.

Click here to read recent media coverage.

4/23/09 - In the news: The anniversaries of Virginia Tech and Columbine demonstrate a need for stronger gun laws - policymakers must stand up to the gun lobby.

Click here to read recent media coverage and commentary about the recent anniversaries of Virginia Tech and Columbine and the need for common sense gun laws.

4/15/09 - Upcoming Events
The Safety Net Works of Auburn Gresham presents the I-Care Week 2009:

Tuesday, April 21st - “Youth Demonstration and Press Conference”
The youth will publicize their outrage over the recent homicides to local media outlets through a youth led demonstration and press conference. Calling all youth who are ready to make a stand to join us!

Time: Demonstration Starts at 5pm. Press Conference Starts at 6pm
Where: Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago IL

Wednesday, April 22nd - “Youth Rally at Chuck’s Gun Shop”
We are tired of guns being sold in our community. The youth demand a stop to the gun flow!

Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Chucks Gun Shop, 14310 Indiana Ave, Riverdale IL

Friday, April 24th - “Great Debate and Social Networking Night”
Youth leaders will participate in a debate on Common Sense Gun Laws. Youth will have a chance to network and watch a movie about youth led movements following the debate. Refreshments will be provided.

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Where: St. Sabina’s Bethune Hall, 7801 S. Throop, Chicago IL

Saturday, April 25th - “The Take Back, Part 2” Violence Prevention Youth Summit
It’s time for the youth to step up and “Take Back” their streets. Youth ages 12-21 will have the opportunity to attend various workshops, an employment fair, and will witness a dynamic panel discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

Time: Employment Fair 11am; Event Registration starts at Noon; Youth Summit begins at 1pm
Where: Perspectives Calumet High School, located at 8131 S. May, Chicago IL

If you need transportation to any of the events or would like more information on how you can get involved, please contact Jocelyn Jones at 773-483-4333.

Click here to print the flyer.

3/27/09 – Urgent: We Need Your Help to Stop Illegal Gun Trafficking

Many guns used in crimes can be sourced to illegal sales of firearms that were stolen from or lost by a lawful owner. One important way to disrupt this channel of firearms entering the illegal market is to require that a person report the loss or theft of their firearms. Reporting gives law enforcement the tools to identify individuals engaging in, furthering and profiting from such trade and distribution, while making gun trafficking more difficult for criminals.

We urge you to take the time to call or email your state Representative and urge him or her to support HB 845 (Acevedo), which would require FOID card holders to report the loss or theft of their handguns to local law enforcement agencies within 72 hours after discovering the loss or theft.

To contact your Representative, click here!

3/26/09 – Some Legislators Out of Step with Constituents on Universal Background Checks

Yesterday, HB 48 was called for a vote on the House Floor and lost by only five votes.

Unfortunately, several Representatives who had committed to supporting the bill or had previously supported it, did not vote with us (noted by asterisk). Additionally, several Representatives in districts where voters overwhelmingly favor the measure also did not vote in support.

We urge you to contact these legislators and express your disappointment with their vote:

Representative Charles Jefferson (D-67, Rockford)*
(217) 782-3167
Representative Kevin McCarthy (D-37, Orland Park/Cook County)* (217) 782-3316
Representative Eddie Washington (D-60, Lake County)*
(217) 558-1012
Representative Sidney Mathias (R-53, Lake County)*
(217) 782-1664
Representative Sandy Pihos (R-42, DuPage County)
(217) 782-8037
Representative Franco Coladipietro (R-45, DuPage County)
(217) 782-8158
Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-46, DuPage County)
(217) 782-4014
Representative Patricia Bellock (R-47, DuPage County)
(217) 782-1448
Representative Michael Connelly (R-48, DuPage County)
(217) 782-8028
Representative Sandy Cole (R-62, Lake County)
(217) 782-7320
Representative Suzanne Bassi (R-54, Cook County)
(217) 782-8026
Representative Michael Smith (D-91, Fulton County)
(217) 782-8152
Representative Eddie Jackson (D-114, East St. Louis)
(217) 782-5951

3/20/09 – Chicago Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence Among School Age Youth Design Competition

The University of Chicago Crime Lab is launching the Chicago Initiative to Reduce Gun Violence Among School Age Youth Design Competition. Letters of interest are due no later than this Saturday, March 21.

For more information on the project, go here.

3/20/09 – We’re Days Away From a House Floor Vote on HB 48: Call Your Legislator Today!

We anticipate that HB 48 will be called for a vote within the next week. We urgently need you to call your State Representative today and ask him/her to support requiring background checks for private handgun sales. House Bill 48 is a common sense measure that would prevent felons, domestic violence offenders, and individuals with severe mental illness from accessing guns by requiring the private sale or transfer of any handgun to be conducted at a federally licensed firearm dealer so that a background check can be completed.

To call your State Representative, click here.

3/19/09 – College Students and CPS Students in Springfield Demand Common Sense Gun Laws

This week college students from Howard and Princeton Universities and Chicago Public School Students who have lost friends and classmates to gun violence asked legislators in Springfield to support HB 48 and other common sense gun violence prevention policies. "We're tired of losing our friends to gun violence." said 18-year old senior Ronnie Mosley. Mosley and dozens of his classmates made the trip to rally for House Bill 48 which would ban private handgun sales and establish universal background checks for gun buyers.

For news coverage of their efforts click here.

3/16/09 – Chicago Tribune Supports Universal Background Checks

The Tribune editorializes: “…How important are background checks? Gun owners are required to have a firearm owner's identification card, which must be renewed every 10 years. But each year more than 800 potential gun buyers—many with FOID cards—are prevented from buying weapons because a red flag pops up in a background check. Illinois wisely closed the gun-show loophole a couple of years ago. It's time to do the same with private handgun sales. This is one more way to permit legal gun ownership but keep guns away from criminals…”

To read the editorial click here.

3/13/09 – Take Action Now to Keep Guns out of the Wrong Hands

Please contact your State Representative today and ask him/her to support requiring background checks for private handgun sales. House Bill 48 is a common sense measure that would require the private sale or transfer of any handgun to be conducted at a federally licensed firearm dealer so that a background check can be completed.

To email your State Representative, click here.

3/11/09 – Assault Weapon Ban and One-Gun-a-Month Bills Move Through House Executive Committee!

Both HB 12 (Arroyo), which would limit handgun sales and purchases to one per person per month, and HB 165 (Acevedo) passed out of Executive House Committee.

For more information on these policies, click here.

To read related media coverage, click here.

3/3/09 – Lost or Stolen Reporting Bill Moves Through House Committee!

This week HB 845 (Acevedo), which would require gun owners to report the loss or theft of their handgun to local law enforcement agencies within 72 hours after discovering the loss or theft, passed out of the House Executive Committee. For more information about this bill, click here.

To read media coverage about the bill, click here.

3/3/09 – New ICPGV Bipartisan Poll Released Today!

Today ICPGV released the results from a new statewide, bipartisan poll on gun violence prevention. Key findings include:

• Voters across the state overwhelmingly support new measures that will help prevent dangerous guns from getting into the wrong hands.
• A consensus of Illinois voters - in rural, urban, and suburban areas and across party lines - strongly support requiring background checks for all gun purchases, including private sales.
• Nearly all Illinois voters think that gun owners should be required to report their lost or stolen guns to law enforcement.
• A strong majority of gun owners and NRA members support requiring background checks on all gun purchases and lost or stolen reporting.
• Voters in all three separately surveyed Senate districts that include the Peoria metropolitan area and Western Collar Counties show strong support for requiring background checks on all gun purchases and lost or stolen reporting.

For the polling results and polling fact sheet, click here.

Click here to read the press release.

The University of Chicago Crime Lab Releases New Report on Gun Violence

The new report released by the Crime Lab today shows that the social costs of gun violence in Chicago amount to $2.5 billion per year, or roughly $2,500 for every household. Additionally, for each murder, 70 people are either discouraged from moving to Chicago or prompted to move out of the city. Click here to read the report.

2/27/09 – Universal Background Check Bill Moves Through House Committee!

This week ICPGV’s priority legislation HB 48 (Osterman), which would require the sale or transfer of any handgun between two private individuals to be conducted at a federally licensed firearm dealer so that a background check can be completed, passed out of the House Executive Committee. For more information about this bill, click here.

To read media coverage about the bill, click here.

2/19/09 – Joining the majority of Illinois voters in supporting background checks on all handgun purchases, this week 19 Illinois State Representatives became co-sponsors of HB 48. The bill, sponsored by Representative Harry Osterman, would close the “private sale loophole” on handguns. Click here for more information on this policy.

Co-sponsors for HB 48 currently include:

• Rep. William D. Burns
• Rep. Michael J. Zalewski
• Rep. Edward J. Acevedo
• Rep. Elizabeth Coulson
• Rep. Deborah L. Graham
• Rep. Kathleen A. Ryg
• Rep. Greg Harris
• Rep. André M. Thapedi
• Rep. Julie Hamos
• Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez
• Rep. Susana A Mendoza
• Rep. Cynthia Soto
• Rep. Kenneth Dunkin
• Rep. LaShawn K. Ford
• Rep. Maria Antonia Berrios
• Rep. Robert Rita
• Rep. Daniel J. Burke
• Rep. Elaine Nekritz
• Rep. Karen May
• Rep. David E. Miller
• Rep. Deborah Mell

2/13/09 – Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the Valentine’s Day Massacre at Northern Illinois University

On February 14th 2008, Steven Kazmierczak shot and killed five Northern Illinois University students – Ryanne Mace, Gayle Dubowski, Daniel Parmenter, Catalina Garcia, and Julianne Gehant - and injured 18 others at the DeKalb campus.

Click here for events scheduled to mark this tragic day.

We urge you to write a letter to the editor calling for common sense laws to stop guns from getting into the wrong hands. Click here to learn how.

1/30/09 –  This month Illinois State Representatives have introduced common sense gun violence prevention measures that will:

• Keep illegal handguns off our streets, by requiring background checks for all handgun purchases, licensing private handgun sellers, and restricting multiple handgun sales.
• Reduce the lethality of firearms, including banning assault weapons, 50 caliber sniper rifles and cartridges, and large capacity ammunition magazines.
• Increase responsibility among gun owners, by requiring safe storage of guns in homes with children.

Click here for more information on these Policy Info.

1/14/09 – Man shoots at school bus in the West Side of Chicago

A gunman fired at a school bus on the near West Side this morning, injuring two passengers. Click here to read the breaking news alert.

1/12/09 – Five are shot after Chicago high school basketball game.

To read media coverage about the shooting that wounded five peopl click here.

12/18/08 – U.S. District Judge Rejects Challenge to Chicago’s Handgun Ban

The Chicago Sun-Times reports: “Today U.S. District Judge Milton Shadur rewarded the city for hanging tough, rejecting a pair of lawsuits challenging Chicago’s handgun freeze.”

Additionally, Mayor Daley plans to hold a gun conference early next year to address gun deaths in Chicago and additional measures for prevention.

To read articles on the ruling, click here.

The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence is currently airing three new radio messages to educate the public on the epidemic of gun violence. To listen, click on the following links:

• Spot #1 – Blair Holt
• Spot #2 – Tommy Vanden Berk
• Spot #3 – Christmas

12/8/08 – Upcoming Event

The Reverend Michael L. Pfleger, pastor of Faith Community of St. Sabina in Chicago, is hosting a rally at the State of Illinois Building in response to the tragic number of children being killed by guns. On Wednesday, December 17th at noon they are hosting a vigil entitled “Remembering our Children, and Valuing Our Children.” For more information, click here.

12/2/08 – Diminishing power of the NRA and need for common sense gun laws in the news

Today the New York Times editorialized on the major political losses of the NRA, stating, “After this year’s election, those politicians should be far less afraid and far more willing to vote for sensible gun-control laws.”

John Rosenthal, co-founder of Stop Handgun Violence, Common Sense About Kids and Guns and American Hunters and Shooters Association, also called for common sense gun laws in the Boston Globe. In “A chance for sensible gun laws,” he argues:

“No surprise that gun violence has risen steadily over the past eight years. There isn't even a law requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales in 32 states, and criminals and terrorists have been proven to exploit this dangerous loophole in federal law. Is it any wonder why America is the gun violence capital of the world and US urban areas have become war zones?”

To read more select media click here.

11/7/08 – Brady Releases Report “Guns & the 2008 Election: Common Sense Gun Laws Won, the NRA Lost, & What it Means”

The Brady Campaign released a report today which shows that support for gun laws can be a winning message for politicians and not a dangerous political "wedge" issue. It makes the case that voters want pragmatic solutions to protect their families and communities from gun violence and know that sensible gun laws won't hurt legitimate gun owners.

Click here to read the report.

11/6/08 – November 8 Community Forum on Gun Violence

State Representative Esther Golar is sponsoring a community forum on ending violence Saturday, November 8 at John Hope High School, 5515 S. Lowe.

The event is cosponsored by The Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Seventh District CAPS, U.N.I.O.N Impact Center, For Kids' Sake and UCAN.

For more information, contact Chevelle Bailey at 312-738-5913 or baileyc@ucanchicago.org

11/5/08 – Brady Campaign Election Results

Click here for election results of Brady endorsed candidates.

10/24/08 – New Model Gun Law from LCAV for Illinois

Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV) has developed LCAV Model Gun Owner’s Safety and Responsibility Act for Illinois jurisdictions to require firearm owners’ safety certificates, registration, safe storage of firearms, and reporting of lost and stolen firearms. Visit www.lcav.org to read the model law.

10/23/08 – Brady Campaign Endorsements for Illinois Candidates

Click here for a current list of Illinois House and Senate candidates endorsed by the Brady Campaign and the Illinois Million Mom March Chapters.

10/20/08 – Conservative Judges Denounce Heller

A New York Times article reports, “Two prominent federal appeals court judges say that Justice Antonin Scalia’s majority opinion in the case, District of Columbia v. Heller, is illegitimate, activist, poorly reasoned and fueled by politics rather than principle.”

Click here to read the article and other select media.

10/7/08 – Announcing Legal Community Against Violence’s new Illinois Counsel!

The Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (ICPGV) is pleased to announce the new Illinois Counsel for the Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV), Michelle Jordan, a longtime reform activist and attorney. Ms. Jordan is presently Vice President on the State Board of the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL), the LWVIL Issues Specialist for campaign finance reform, and she consults on gun violence prevention and judicial reform. Since 2005, Michelle, with LWVIL, has partnered with both LCAV and ICPGV. She is also a new member of the Board of Directors of The Chicago Council of Lawyers, where she focuses on judicial reform. Ms. Jordan is an award winning author on the legal rights of children and frequent lecturer on Tax Increment Financing, Statewide School Finance Reform, Judicial Reform and reauthorization of The Voting Rights Act.

New ICPGV Youth Advocacy Corps group page on Facebook

One way for youth to get involved in the effort to stop senseless gun violence is by joining the ICPGV Youth Advocacy Corps.

Check out our new ICPGV Youth Advocacy Corps group page on Facebook. Please encourage teens and youth in your community to join this group and tell their friends about it!

9/17/08 – Today the House of Representatives passed HR 6842, a bill which would override Washington D.C.’s gun laws, including new laws passed in compliance with the Supreme Court’s Heller ruling. HR 6842 would repeal these laws, including a ban on semi-automatic handguns and safe-storage requirements for gun owners. HR 6842 also would allow residents to purchase guns in neighboring states.

The bill is a dangerous intrusion on the District’s right to enact local ordinances, and interferes with its ability to protect residents and visiting dignitaries from gun violence. Click here for recent media coverage on the bill.

8/28/08 – A new publication by Legal Community Against Violence, “Gun Regulation and the Second Amendment: Moving Forward after D.C. v. Heller,” discusses the opportunities for common sense gun regulation after the Supreme Court’s Heller ruling. To learn more, click here.

8/13/08 – The Chicago Sun-Times surveyed nearly 500 students at three public elementary schools, interviewed children and examined their artwork to assess the effects of violence. To read select articles from this series, click here.

7/28/08 – Summertime gun violence in Chicago and the suburbs incites gun violence prevention activists to rally. Chicago’s gun turn-in program shows a need for tougher gun laws that target illegal firearms. Since 2006, 11,000 illegal guns have been collected through the program. Click here for related media coverage.

7/11/08 – Recent data shows that firearms are the second leading cause of injury death for young people in Illinois, following traffic fatalities. For the more recent statistics for children, youth, and violent death, click here to read the July 2008 Illinois Violent Death Reporting System newsletter.

6/26/08 – In a landmark decision issued today, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees an individual right to possess firearms. The Court’s decision, issued in the case District of Columbia v. Heller, struck down the District’s strict law banning handgun possession, and requiring all firearms to be stored “unloaded and dissembled or bound by a trigger lock or similar device.”

The Court also made clear that its ruling permits common sense firearms regulations. The Court’s ruling has no immediate impact beyond the District of Columbia’s handgun ban. The decision noted the Supreme Court’s prior decisions which held that the Second Amendment applies only to the federal government.

Click here to read the Legal Community Against Violence’s reaction to the Supreme Court decision.

6/13/08 – During the 2007-08 school year, 23 Chicago Public School students died from gun violence. As the school year ends, ICPGV will be working to engage youth in efforts to promote effective public policies that can help stop gun violence through the summer months and beyond. Click here to print a student petition for youth to circulate. We urge you to print this petition and pass it on to your children, family and friends.

5/30/08 –HB 2760, legislation which will require reporting of lost or stolen guns, is set for a House Floor vote tomorrow!

The Springfield State Journal-Register editorialized on the HB 2760 today, stating:

“We see this bill — House Bill 2760 — not as a gun control bill but as a responsible ownership bill. We urge the House and Senate to make its passage a priority as this session nears its conclusion.”

Click here to read the editorial.

5/28/08 – Bill to Require Reporting of Lost & Stolen Guns moves into House. House Bill 2760 (Reps. Madigan, Currie & Molaro) is quickly moving through the Illinois House and will be coming up for a vote in the coming days. The bill is similar to HB1696 and allows the State Police to revoke the FOID Card of anyone failing to report a lost or stolen firearm within 72 hours of discovering it had been stolen or lost. Reporting these weapons lost or stolen gives law enforcement the tools to identify individuals engaging in, profiting from such trade and distribution while making gun trafficking more difficult for criminals. Please call your Representative and urge them to pass this important legislation. Click here for a fact sheet on HB 2760.

SB 1007 set for House vote this week. Senate Bill 1007 could come up for a vote this week in the Illinois House of Representatives. This bill would ban the sale, possession and manufacture of large capacity ammunition magazines. These magazines can hold up to 100 rounds of ammunition and are designed to fire off many rounds as quickly as possible. They have also been linked to the Virginia Tech and NIU shootings. Click here for a fact sheet on SB 1007.

Please contact your State Representative and urge them to vote YES on HB 2760 and SB 1007. To find your state representative, visit www.elections.ilgov.org. Let your State Representative know that we need their support on these important bills!

5/27/08 – HB 4628 passed out of the Senate today (54-0). The bill, expected to be signed by the Governor, will impose a tougher penalty on any adult who gives or sells a gun to a minor who then goes out and commits a crime. To read media coverage about the bill, click here.

5/19/08 – Yesterday, Illinois youth presented legislators with petitions signed by 1,000 youth urging the passage of laws requiring background checks and banning large capacity ammunition magazines. The 1,000 signatures were collected by students to represent the 1,000 Illinois residents who die each year from gun violence. Click here to read media coverage of the event.

5/10/08 – Senate Bill 1007 which bans the sale, manufacture and possession of any large capacity ammunition magazine is scheduled to be debated in the Illinois House of Representatives in the next several weeks. Now is the time to call your State Representative and urge them to support this common sense legislation to reduce gun violence in Illinois. To learn how, click here

5/2/08 – Write your local newspaper and let them know that you are disappointed in the legislators who voted no on HB 758, which would require background checks for all handgun purchasers. Click here to read an example in the Chicago Daily Herald.

4/30/08 – The Illinois House passed legislation Wednesday that would allow the state to revoke the FOID cards of parents who repeatedly allow their troubled children to gain access to guns or ammunition.  click here to read media coverage on the vote.

4/22/08 – Last weekend, at least seven people were killed in 36 different shootings in Chicago. We urge you to write a letter to the editor calling for common sense gun laws to stop the violence. To read the media coverage, click here. To learn how to write a letter to the editor, click here.

4/16/08 – On the anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre, the General Assembly failed to pass HB 758, a common sense measure which would require background checks for all handgun sales in Illinois. Please write a letter to the editor expressing your disappointment in this vote.

4/15/08 – This week in Naperville, ICPGV held a community forum on “Gun Violence: What Can the Public Do to Prevent It.” Although gun rights advocates and ISRA representatives attempted to disrupt the presentations, the event was a success in educating the public on gun violence prevention. Click here to read media coverage of the event.

4/14/08 – In the coming days, the Illinois House of Representatives may vote on HB 758, an ICPGV priority legislative initiative, which would require background checks for all handgun purchases in Illinois. We need your help to pass this common sense policy! Click here to learn how to contact your legislators in support of HB 758.

4/11/08 – Click here to see a cartoon in the Springfield State Journal Register satirizing opponents of the one-gun-a-month bill.

4/08/08 – In the coming days, the Illinois House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the ICPGV priority legislative initiatives. We need your help to pass common sense gun laws in Illinois! Click here to learn how to contact your legislators.

4/04/08 – We have updated our website with a new youth page, which includes a student petition for youth to circulate. We urge you to print this petition and pass it on to your children, family and friends. Click here to check it out!

4/02/08 – Hundreds of students, activists, and public officials rallied today to protest the growing number of youth shot and killed in Chicago. Click here to read media coverage.

4/01/08 – The number of Chicago Public School students killed by guns increases to 20 for the current school year. Click here to read media coverage.

3/28/08 – Upcoming Events:

Williams III Youth Foundation - 2nd Anniversary Concert Benefit Program
Saturday, April 12th from 7:00-9:30pm
New True Vine MB Church
901 N. Springfield, Chicago
The Willie Williams III Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed after the tragic shooting death of Willie Williams III. His death was caused by a senseless act of gun violence on April 1, 2006 in Chicago, IL.

NIU Naperville Forum – Gun Violence: What Can the Public Do to Prevent It
Monday, April 14th at 7:00pm
1120 E. Diehl Rd, Naperville
The discussion will focus on what role average citizens can play in helping to reduce gun violence, and state legislation currently addressing the issue. Click here for a flyer.

3/18/08 – The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in District of Columbia v. Heller, a case challenging Washington D.C.’s handgun ban. To learn more about the case and what it means for Illinois, click here.

3/17/08 – Another Chicago Public School student is shot and killed, this time in a drive-by shooting. Click here to read what Chicago students have to say about gun violence in their communities.

3/14/08 – Next Tuesday, March 18th, the Supreme Court will hear District of Columbia v. Heller, a case challenging Washington D.C.’s handgun ban. To learn more about the case and what it means for Illinois, click here.

3/12/08 – Another Chicago Public School student who was shot died yesterday, the 19th CPS student to die by a gun in 2008. Click here to read media coverage on the recent school shootings.

3/7/08 – An anti-violence rally was held after a deadly shooting outside Crane High School in Chicago’s west side. Click here to read media coverage on the rally.

2/29/08 –  Click here to read a press release from the Illinois House of Representatives on the Assault Weapons ban passing out of the House Executive Committee.

2/27/08 – Two common-sense gun policies passed out of the Executive House Committee today.  Click here read media coverage on the legislation.

2/27/08 – Two common-sense gun policies passed out of the Executive House Committee today. Click here to read media coverage on the legislation.

2/22/08 – In the aftermath of the Tinley Park and NIU shootings, citizens across Illinois call for common sense gun laws to stop the violence in a flood of letters to the editor. Click here to read their words.

2/15/08 – Yet another tragic shooting has occurred - this time at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Click here to read coverage in the Chicago Sun Times.

2/8/08 – Three more are added to this week’s tally of gun deaths after a woman kills two female students and herself at Louisiana Technological Institute in Baton Rouge. Click here to read media coverage.

2/7/08 – A gunman himself and five other with a large caliber revolver in a deadly shooting spree at a St. Louis city council meeting, critically wounding the mayor. A Park Forest, Illinois native, Councilwoman Connie Karr, was among the dead in the shooting. Click here to read media coverage.

2/6/08 – A Rockford lawyer was shot dead today, while shoveling snow outside his home. Click here  to read media coverage.

2/3/08 – Another Illinois community is shattered by gun violence, after five women are shot and killed in a Tinley Park mall. Click here to read the recent coverage on this horrific tragedy.

1/31/08 – A new Brady scorecard was released highlighting that most states have done little to keep criminals and other dangerous people from easily obtaining guns. Illinois received a disappointing 28 out of 100 points. To review Illinois’ score, click here.

1/18/08 – Tragically, a six year old child in Chicago was shot and severely injured, the Tribune reports in the article Boy shot in head, 2 wounded on West Side in possible home invasion.

1/10/08 – A compelling piece from Reuters from Jan. 9th asked: "Is America, land of shooting massacres in schools and public places, slowly falling out of love with guns?" Excerpts from the article were posted on the Gun Guys.

1/2/08 – Sadly, the New Year began with gun violence in Chicago, resulting in two deaths. However, the positive impact of gun violence prevention strategies was demonstrated by the fact that Chicago in 2007 reached its lowest number of murders since 1965. Click here to read the story in the Chicago Sun Times.

11/18/07 – Nina Vinik, Legal Director for the Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV), discusses how easy it is for anyone to access guns and the need for common-sense laws that help limit gun access by criminals. To read her letter in response to a Chicago Tribune editorial, click here.

11/9/07 – The Illinois State Police has proposed a rule that would impose a minimum age for applying for and carrying a FOID card of 10 years of age (with parental permission). The issue was brought to attention by the case of “Baby Bubba,” a 10 month-old baby who was issued a FOID card with an ID photograph of the infant last spring. In a recent letter to the Department, Legal Community Against Violence and ICPGV support regulations setting an age requirement, but recommend a minimum age of 18 as opposed to 10. With no federal minimum age for sales of long guns by private sellers, current law allows children of any age to purchase rifles (including assault rifles) or shotguns from any private seller, as long as they hold a FOID card. Because of the health and safety risks that firearms pose to children, there is no reason children under 18 should have the ability to own and purchase these dangerous guns.  Click here to read the letter to the Illinois State Police.

10/19/07 – Thom Mannard, Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, raises the issue of public safety in response to law enforcement’s discovery that a Mundelein resident had 600 firearms in his home. To read his Op-Ed piece in the Daily Herald click here.

10/9/07 – Dr. James Webster, President of the Chicago Board of Health and ICPGV Advisory Group member, asked Illinois legislators to take a stand against gun violence and to “publicly declare that over the next year, before the next election, you will work and support common sense efforts to make…all of Illinois free of gun-related deaths.” To read his letter, click here.

9/19/07 – The International Association of Chiefs of Police release specific recommendations to reduce gun violence in the report Taking a Stand: Reducing Gun Violence in Our Communities.

9/10/07 – The Children’s Memorial Research Center, Illinois Violent Death Reporting System report was highlighted in an interview with Advisory Group member Kathleen Monahan on Chicago Public Radio. Click here to listen.

9/07/07 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new report showing an alarming rise in suicides among young people titled Suicide Trends Among Youths and Young Adults Aged 10--24 Years --- United States, 1990—2004.

8/31/07 – SB 940 (Kotowski), Bill closing loopholes in mental health background checks was signed into law today by Governor Blagojevich!  Click here to the enrolled bill language for SB 940.

7/03/07 – Click here to read an op-ed by Mayor Richard M. Daley about the state government’s responsibilities to children, including protection from gun violence.

6/27/07 – Gun violence escalates as the overtime legislative session continues. Click here to read recent media coverage about the spike in gun violence, killing 25 Chicago public school children in the last year.

6/19/07 – There has been increased public outrage and media attention on the impact of gun violence in Illinois this week as the legislature continues to deliberate. Click here to read recent media coverage surrounding statewide protests to end gun violence.

6/12/07 – SB 940 (Kotowski),  which will close loopholes in mental health background checks, is now at the Governor’s desk! We urge you to contact Governor Blagojevich and encourage him to sign this important legislation.

6/05/07 – SB 940 (Kotowski), which will close loopholes in mental health background checks for firearm purchasers, passed the House last Thursday, May 31st with a 108-7 vote!

5/29/07 – In this final week of session in the state legislature, ICPGV will be focused passing the following bills: SB 1007 (Kotowski), SB 940 (Kotowski), HB 758 (Osterman), and HB 1696 (Molaro). These common-sense regulations will help law enforcement keep handguns out of the hands of criminals and other prohibited purchasers, and keep the most lethal ammunition magazines off the streets. We need your help to make sure that these bills succeed in the House this week.

Click here to call and write your Representative and let them know why they should vote yes on these bills!

To read about common-sense gun policies and Illinois politics, click here.

5/18/07 – SB 940 (Kotowski), Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s bill closing loopholes in mental health background checks, passed out of the Senate today with a 51-4 vote!

5/15/07 – We need your help to make sure that HB 758 (Osterman), HB 1696 (Molaro), and SB 1007 (Kotowski) succeed in the House this week. These common-sense regulations will help law enforcement keep handguns out of the hands of criminals and other prohibited purchasers, and keep the most lethal ammunition magazines off the streets. Click here to call and write your Representative and let them know why they should vote yes on these bills!

5/08/07 – Within the last few weeks, there has been a good deal of grassroots activity and media coverage generated by ICPGV in anticipation and in response to votes on the Policy Info of the campaign. Click here to read the media coverage generated by the campaign.

5/01/07 - SB 1007, co-sponsored by Senators Wilhelmi, Jones and Millner, was amended by Senator Kotowski to prohibit the manufacture, sale, purchase, and possession of any large capacity ammunition feeding device, like the one purportedly used in the Virginia Tech shootings. Large capacity magazines significantly increase the lethality of automatic and semi-automatic firearms because of their ability to hold so many rounds of ammunition.

Read the Cook County State’s Attorney and ICPGV advisory group member, Richard Devine’s recent letter to the editor, "Gun Bills Would Make Our Streets Safer,” in the Chicago Sun Times.

Listen to ICPGV advisory group member Jennifer Bishop’s commentary on WBEZ 91.5 FM about loopholes in Illinois handgun background checks, click here.  Click here to read recent media coverage related to ICPGV.

4/24/07 – Read the Sun Times Commentary on gun violence and the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, “ Deny Easy Gun Access to Dangerous People.” For more media coverage related to ICPGV, click here.

To read the Legal Community Against Violence statement about the Virginia Tech shootings click here.

4/17/07 – The Virginia Tech University tragedy has been widely covered in the media, including commentary by LCAV. To hear Nina Vinik, Legal Director for the Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV), talk about gun control and violence in wake of the largest shooting in US history at Virginia Tech, click here.

ICPGV urges you to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and to call your state legislators and urge them to support common-sense gun regulations in the wake of this senseless tragedy. Click here to learn how.

4/10/2007 – First-ever Great Lakes Summit on Firearm Violence, sponsored by the Joyce Foundation, brings law enforcement officials and policymakers together to turn the tide on gun violence. Click here  to read the press release.

Also, a recently released National Opinion Research Center (NORC) poll shows increased support for firearm regulation nationwide. Click here to read the press release.

4/2/2007 - Take action to help support the policy goals of Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence! Use the ICPGV Toolkit for tactics, tips, and tools on writing letters to the editor and contacting your state legislators.

3/28/2007 – The media coverage page has been updated with articles about the ICPGV 2007 Voter Survey on Gun Regulations, as well as other recent gun policy articles.  Also, see pictures from the 3/21 Chicago and Springfield press events announcing the results of the survey.