Chicago Aldermen Fight Concealed Carry Ruling

Enlarge image

City officials throughout Illinois are urging the state to appeal a court decision that would throw out Illinois' ban on concealed carry weapons. A federal appeals court ruled earlier this week the state’s ban is unconstitutional. The court gave lawmakers 180 days to come up with a law legalizing concealed weapons.

Critics of the decision say they’re worried lifting the ban could lead to more gun violence, and caution any new laws or ordinances could lead to lengthy and expensive legal fights.  Supporters of gun rights say concealed carry laws allow ordinary citizens to better protect themselves.  Any decision to appeal lies in the hands of State Attorney General Lisa Madigan.