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Illinois

At a Glance

Illinois

Illinois has among the strongest gun safety laws in the country and low levels of gun ownership. Following the horrific mass shooting in Highland Park on July 4, 2022, lawmakers took action to address gun violence and enacted critical gun safety laws, including a prohibition on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

1,622 In an average year, 1,622 people die by guns in Illinois. More at EveryStat.
#3 in the country for Gun Law Strength. (Up from #7 last year). See why.

Despite being a national leader in enacting gun violence prevention laws, Illinois continues to experience an unacceptable rate of gun violence. Illinois is surrounded by states with much weaker laws, and an outsized share of likely trafficked guns recovered in Illinois are originally purchased out-of-state—especially in Indiana, just across the border from Chicago. In recent years, Illinois has enacted gun dealer licensing, an improved illegal gun removal program, and an Extreme Risk law.

The Latest

Standing With Gun Violence Survivors of Unsolved Cases, Illinois Lawmakers Introduce Legislation on Cold Case Murders and Clearance Rates

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Victories

Survivor Story

Volunteer Stories

Behind the Scenes at Illinois’ 2023 Advocacy Day

Whenever our community’s safety or our nation’s gun violence crisis is discussed, Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action volunteers, and survivors show up. Whether it’s at city councils, school boards, or in the halls of Congress, we are there. One of the ways we make a big impact in each… Continue