State Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) pleaded guilty today to a reckless
conduct charge for trying to board a flight at O'Hare International
Airport with a gun in his bag in December.
Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk was one of four Republicans who voted in favor
of a proposal looking to expand background checks on gun purchases, which
was rejected by a 54-46 vote in the U.S. Senate Wednesday.
A concealed-carry measure backed by the National Rifle Association
failed to pass the Illinois House Thursday by a 64-45 vote, with four
voting present.
Emotions were high yesterday as the Illinois House debated, and eventually voted down, an amendment that would grant local officials the authority to issue concealed carry permits.
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote later this afternoon on a series
of gun amendments to the gun control package the chamber has been
considering, including expanding background checks as part of a compromise
agreement reached last week by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pennsylvania).
The U.S. Senate voted 68-31 today to begin debate on a gun control package that includes expanding background checks for gun purchasers and new gun trafficking penalties.
A new poll of Illinois voters, including gun owners, revealed that the majority of residents support strict gun control initiatives, including
background checks on every gun sale and banning assault weapons.
