Pritzker downplays low assault weapon registration numbers; expects new rules to clear up confusion

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (First Alert 4) - Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker addressed concerns over low assault weapon registration numbers during a press conference in Belleville Wednesday.

First Alert 4 reported on low assault weapon registration numbers prior to the January 1 deadline.

The Protect Illinois Communities Act, which banned the possession and sale of assault weapons like AK-47s and AR-15s, requires individuals who already possess these weapons to register the weapons with the Illinois State Police if they want to still possess the weapons.

Gov. Pritzker responded to the topic during a press conference about childhood education.

“Don’t miss the headline here, you can’t buy an assault weapon or a high-capacity magazine in Illinois today,” Pritzker said. “2.4 million people do not own assault weapons.”

New rules will soon go into effect detailing how people who own assault weapons can register them with the Illinois State Police after a legislative committee voted on guidelines clearing up the registration process.

“I actually feel very confident we’re going to have the registration process working the way it should,” Pritzker said.

“I think people are scared,” said Tony Caito of Shooter’s Firearms and Indoor Gun Range. “We did sell ARs. We did sell AK-47s. A couple people have talked to me and said that they are going to do it. Some people have told me they’re not going to comply. I don’t think you should mandate that someone has to register their guns that they bought legally.”