Carbondale Reporter

Williamson County State's Attorney Theodore J. Hampson said he will not be enforcing the sweeping gun ban recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 

Hampson emphasized his commitment to the safety of the community and continue to use his "best efforts to combat crime within Williamson County.” He is encouraging the residents to reach out to him for any questions or concerns.

"I join the Sheriff of Williamson County, Illinois, and state my opposition to House Bill 5471, signed into law by Governor Pritzker on January 10, 2023,” Hampson said in a statement. “The RIGHT of the people of Williamson County to keep and bear arms for the defense of life, liberty, and property is an inalienable one. When sworn in as an attorney and again when sworn in as the State's Attorney of Williamson County I took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States of America. I cannot and will not ignore that oath. To enforce this law and make otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals, would be to do just that.” 

Sheriffs across the state are refusing to implement the Protect Illinois Communities Act – HB 5471 – that bans over 100 commonly owned firearms, State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) noted on his Facebook page.

Eighty-five of Illinois’ 102 counties have said they will not enforce the ban due to what they see as constitutional violations, according to Colion Noir. The ban affects 170 types of guns commonly available in the state.

The law classifies all semi-automatic weapons as assault weapons. The law also requires certainl firearms to be registered, according to Central Illinois Proud. 

The Illinois State Rifle Association, the Firearms Policy Coalition, Inc., and the Second Amendment Foundation, along with several gun owners from across Illinois have filed joint action in federal court against the State of Illinois over the ban, according to Chicago City Wire.