Officials discuss DuPage sheriff’s refusal to enforce assault weapons ban

DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. — Several elected officials representing parts of DuPage County gathered Monday morning to publicly rebuke the county’s sheriff for stating he will not enforce the state’s new ban on assault weapons.

U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Bill Foster (IL-11) and other county board members and state legislators hosted a press conference regarding DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.

The Protect Illinois Communities Act was signed into law on January 10, banning the sale and distribution of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and switches in Illinois.

On January 13, Mendrick announced that due to his personal beliefs on the act, he would not enforce the law in DuPage County. He is one of many county sheriffs across Illinois to voice such a statement.

Enforcement of the law is currently suspended due to a judge’s ruling on Friday in Effingham after multiple lawsuits were filed to overturn the ban.

Mendrick released a statement in response to the Monday meeting, where he states he was ‘berated’ and ‘admonished’ but is pleased to hear the suspension of the law. He also questions officials’ goals in combating gun violence.

Mendrick claims that he requested increasing penalties for gun crimes and stresses gun laws tied to criminal activity, making domestic violence a top priority for him.

“This is a big win for our law-abiding citizens and for law enforcement,” Mendrick said.

The DuPage County Board is meeting Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and is inviting constituents to submit questions and statements they have in regard to the matter.