“Governors face insubordination from law enforcers who act in accordance with the US Constitution.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed into law a bill that bans “assault weapons.” It was a controversial move and vigorously opposed by gun rights organizations. And it also faces criticism from a substantial number of sheriffs who declared they would refuse to enforce the law.
This is not the first time these officials across the country have defied state governments. However, this highlights a question that tends to fly under the radar: What exactly is the role of sheriffs, and why can they refuse to comply with certain laws or mandates?
The Protect Illinois Communities Act prohibits companies in the state from manufacturing or selling semiautomatic rifles, pistols, .50-caliber guns, and attachments that could increase a weapon’s fire rate. Liberty Nation’s Scott Cosenza explained:
“The new measures included banning innumerable firearms as ‘assault weapons’ if they have common features of modern firearms, rifle magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, and pistol magazines with a capacity of more than 15 rounds. That’s just the start. After April 10, possession of these magazines will only be allowed on private property, on the premises of a federally licensed gun dealer for repairs, at a firing range or sport shooting competition, or when transporting it to or from these locations. The new law also bans .50 caliber rifles and more.”
By Jeff Charles
