Sheriffs across Illinois are refusing to enforce state's gun ban, and the Democratic governor responds with a threat

Numerous sheriffs across Illinois are refusing to enforce the state's ban on semiautomatic weapons, signed into law by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who threatened those who dared to dissent.

The law bans the sale, manufacture, and possession of semiautomatic weapons in the state, leading guns rights advocates to accuse lawmakers of acting unconstitutionally.

Some sheriffs responded by saying they will refuse to enforce the law.

"Part of my duties that I accepted upon being sworn into office was to protect the rights provided to all of us, in the Constitution," wrote Sheriff Nicholas M. Petitgout the residents of McDonough County.

"One of those enumerated rights is the right of the people to keep and bear arms provided under the 2nd Amendment," he added. "Therefore, as the custodian of the jail and chief law enforcement official for McDonough County, that 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."

WGN-TV reported that 13 sheriffs issued similar proclamations of defiance, including those of the counties of Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, Knox, LaSalle, Logan, Dewitt, Kankakee, Grundy, and Winnebago.

Pritzker responded by threatening law enforcement officers who didn't enforce the law.

"There are of course people who want to politically grandstand, who want to make a name for themselves by claiming that they will not comply, but the reality is that the state police's response will for enforcement, as will all law enforcement all across this state," he said at a media briefing.

"And they will in fact do their job," he added, "or they won't be in their job."

Republicans also denounced the law and said it would make felons out of otherwise law-obeying taxpayers.

"These commonly owned semi-automatic firearms are used countless times every year to save lives and deter crime," read a statement from the Gun Owners of America.

"Banning them will only prevent law-abiding citizens from purchasing the best firearm to defend themselves," they added. "Not to mention, the requirement to register currently owned firearms is vehemently unconstitutional."

Here's more about the Illinois gun ban:

Sheriffs across Illinois push back against bill banning assault weaponswww.youtube.com

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