This is a huge step forward, John.

Yesterday, the governor of Illinois signed into law a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, part of a package of gun safety reforms that will address mass shootings and everyday gun violence in the state. 

In an emotional scene following the signature of this lifesaving legislation, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (left) hugs Delphine Cherry (right), Brady Chicago President and gun violence survivor. Delphine lost her son, Tyler, to gun violence in 2012. 

This summer, in Highland Park, IL, a gunman armed with a semiautomatic rifle, fired 70 rounds of ammunition into a crowd of people, killing 7 and injuring 48 others. This heinous tragedy was made worse because of the rifle that was used: A weapon of war, designed to kill as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. 

Tell Congress: Ban assault weapons on a federal level. >>

That’s why the citizens of Illinois said enough and wasted no time in taking action to prevent the next tragedy. The state’s ban on assault weapons – the ninth of its kind in the country – addresses the deadly gap in federal law that allows these terrifying weapons on our street. The effect of this life saving action is not hypothetical, John, we know that banning assault weapons works: For the 10 years that a federal assault weapons ban was in effect, deaths caused by assault rifles were notably reduced.

Banning these weapons of war means stopping the next tragedy – because, unfortunately, Highland Park is only one of the deadliest shootings in US history, all sharing a commonality of the weapon the killers used: 22 killed in Uvalde. 5 killed in Colorado Springs, while 25 others were injured. 10 killed in Buffalo. 17 killed in Parkland, while 17 more were injured. 61 killed in Las Vegas.

Bolstered by this victory and capitalizing on this lifesaving momentum, we’re asking grassroots supporters across the country to sign onto our urgent petition right now: Can you help us show Congress that the majority of Americans support banning weapons of war? We're still missing your response from our rapid-response survey and we are counting on 26 more supporters in your area. >>

This is a landmark victory for Illinois and it’s time for our federal government to follow suit. Illinois lawmakers, supported by Brady, showed us exactly what can be done when we fight to save lives together, and it’s up to all of us to continue to push our lawmakers toward change.

Thank you for taking bold action with us. 

– Team Brady