South West Illinois News

Illinois State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) has applauded the U.S. Supreme Court for protecting 2nd Amendment rights with the Justices' decision to strike down a concealed carry law in New York.

In a June 23 news release, Jacobs saluted the Justices for their decision.

"Today's Supreme Court decision affirms that the right of law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed weapon for personal protection and self-defense is fundamental," Jacobs said in the release. "Regardless of the party in power, the government should not be infringing on Constitutional rights. In this case, the Supreme Court stepped up in defense of 2nd Amendment Rights. I applaud this decision and look forward to continuing to sponsor legislation to dismantle Illinois' overly burdensome regulations on law-abiding gun owners."

Jacobs' reaction came the same day the Supreme Court struck down a New York concealed carry law with a 6-3 decision in the case of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen. The decision rejected the state's law that required people to show they have a special need for carrying a gun in public. 

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul stood firm with state laws after the decision, and said in a statement that it "does not affect Illinois' concealed-carry laws or other gun safety measures." Raoul went on to add that his office "vigorously defends" the state's gun safety laws, and will continue to prosecute gun trafficking cases and cases involving false statements on FOID applications. 

Jacobs is seeking a second term in the Illinois House of Representatives and is opposed to the Republican primary. According to Southern Illinois News, Jacobs has called himself a "commonsense conservative" who has worked hard to earn votes from his constituents.