ILLINOIS (WSIL) -- Multiple sheriff's departments in Illinois issued a statement on how they will not be checking to see if their residents within the county are in compliance with the new law.
In the statements issued, it states their beliefs on how HB 5471 - Protect IL Communities Act, is a clear violation of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Franklin County Sheriff Kyle Bacon was one of multiple sheriff's across Illinois that issued similar statements...
"As your duly elected Sheriff my job and my office are sworn, in fact, to protect the citizens of Franklin County. This is a job and responsibility that I take with the utmost seriousness. Part of the duties that I accepted upon being sworn into office was to protect the rights provided to all of us in the Constitution. One of those enumerated rights is the right of the people to keep and bear arms provided under the 2nd Amendment.
The right to keep and bear arms for defense of life, liberty, and property is regarded as an inalienable right by the people. I, among many others, believe that HB 5471 is a clear violation of the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution.
Therefore, as custodian of the jail and chief law enforcement official of Franklin County, neither myself nor my office will be checking to ensure that lawful gun owners register their weapons with the State, nor will we be arresting or housing law abiding individuals that have been charged solely with non-compliance of this Act."
The Williamson County State's Attorney Theodore J. Hampson stated he is joining the Williamson County sheriff in opposition to the signed House Bill 5471.
Below is a statement Hampson released...
"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."
Hampson continued, "I remain devoted to the safety of the members of our community, and I will continue to use my best efforts to combat crime within Williamson County."
