April 24, 2025
ISRA Takes Next Steps in DOJ Requests
Like you, we’re fed up with anti-Second Amendment legislators in Springfield who are hellbent on stripping away our constitutional rights as law-abiding citizens. And while we continue to challenge these unlawful laws in court — and remain confident of victory — we also have some good news to share. In fact, very good news!
As you recall — last month — the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation in California after law-abiding citizens were facing up to 18-month delays in Los Angeles for their concealed-carry licenses. The DOJ is arguing that this is a violation of 2A rights! In fact, Attorney General Pam Bodi said this “infringes” on 2A rights and her “Department will actively enforce the Second Amendment just like it actively enforces other fundamental constitutional rights.”
How refreshing to finally have a President and a U.S. Justice Department committed to protecting our 2A rights!
We’re also aware that we face the same delays here in Illinois that keep law-abiding gun owners from receiving their concealed-carry licenses and FOID cards in a timely manner, or their firearms, if they were unfairly seized by law enforcement officials. It’s simply unacceptable and an infringement on our rights.
So, we are asking for your help.
We’d like to hear from you about your “delays.” Please tell us your issue, and how long you’ve been waiting for your concealed-carry licenses and FOID cards, or for the return of your firearm. You can email all this information to our new inbox and please include your full name, address and phone number:
As always, we’ll continue to keep you updated, and we won’t back down until our 2A rights are restored here in Illinois!
Thank you,
Richard Pearson, Executive Director Doug Mayhall, President
Illinois State Rifle Association Illinois State Rifle Association
Litigation Update
On April 4th, our attorney filed a motion in the Seventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals requesting a briefing date for Harrel et al v Raoul et al which is combined with Barnett et al v Raoul et al, as well as other cases, asking the Court to declare the Illinois assault weapons ban (PICA) unconstitutional. On Monday, April 7th, we received the briefing schedule. That means our combined cases are moving forward at last.
Here is there briefing schedule. The State of Illinois brief is due on or before May 5, 2025. Our brief is due June 6th, 2025. The State of Illinois response is due June 27th, 2025. The State of Illinois has one extension left. We expect them to use it to just drag the case out as long as possible. The goal is to get our case heard by the Supreme Court of the United States. We need to get it there as soon as possible. We are pushing as hard as we can.
In the Schoenthal case, which deals with concealed carry on public transportation, is scheduled for oral arguments before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on May 28th, 2025, at 9;30am.
The Reece et al v Raoul et al case is scheduled for oral arguments on May 13th, 2025, in the State Appellate Court in Ottawa. The Reece case deals with a one week “holiday“ in which firearms on the PICA list could be purchased before the Seventh Circuit overturned Judge McGlynn’s stay. The Illinois State Police have said these firearms cannot be registered or owned.
In the Meyer v Raoul case, which concerns the right of 18, 19 and 20 year olds ability to purchase, own and legally carry firearms, we need to replenish our plaintiffs. When plaintiffs reach 21 years old, they “time out” because they then become eligible for getting their own FOID card and ICCLs. Several courts have ruled that at the age of 18, Second Amendment rights are fully vested. If you or any one you know is willing and able to be a plaintiff in this case, please call our attorney, David Sigal, right away. His number is is 630-452-4547.
As always the Illinois State Rifle Association fights for you. Not a member? join today!
Donate to Legal Assistance HERE!
Legislative Update
Next week both the Illinois House and Senate will be in. That means we will have to be on alert. In the Illinois House, SB8, the so-called “Safe Storage Act” will be heard. This is another attempt to put law-abiding gun owners in a legal “trick bag”.
The ISRA strongly opposes SB8 for many reasons. Here are a few of the major ones.
* This bill adds the definition of an “At Risk Person” as someone that a reasonable person would indicate might commit suicide or bodily harm. My grandfather committed suicide and no one had anticipated it until it happened. You would have to prove that you didn’t know. Guilty until proven innocent.
* The definition of a “minor” for firearm storage purposes goes from 14 to 18. My parents would have been in real trouble when I was growing up. Me and my .22 rifle were always together.
* The definition of “premise” is any land, building, structure, vehicle or place, directly or indirectly under your control. That would include your business. You might need a firearm to defend yourself in any of these places. What are you supposed to say…“ hang on a minute Mr. Serial killer, I have to unlock my gun”?
* Changes the wording from “reason to believe” to “reasonably should have known”. I have always hated that type of language. It requires clairvoyance on your part. There is on exception I would make. If any legislator, governor or bureaucrat promotes, supports, signs or enforces a bill they knew, or “should have known”, is found unconstitutional, they automatically get a 100 years in solitary confinement.
* If your out-of-state relative comes to visit you, they would be a prohibited person because they do not have a FOID. Of course, they can’t get a FOID Card. Silly details. Nevertheless, the firearm owner could be in trouble.
* If someone comes into your home or business and steals your firearm or firearms, and they injure someone with the firearm, the owner is subject to a $10,000 fine. This would be a civil penalty, so “beyond a reasonable doubt” is not required…just a preponderance of evidence is required. Which means you have to convince twelve people on a jury, who know nothing about the situation, that you are right. This is clearly unconstitutional, but what does that matter? We are in Illinois, after all.
The ISRA urges you to call you legislators and oppose this bill. I assure you that if this passes, we will be in another legal battle. The ISRA will defend the Second Amendment.
As always, we will keep you updated.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Guns Don’t Kill People…Says a Man Who Knows
President Donald Trump’s reaction to the Florida State University (FSU) shooting was certainly different from what we are used to. President Trump had the audacity to point out that guns don’t do the shooting, people do. Well, that ruins the left wing anti-gun narrative. The left didn’t like that response at all. But who would understand that better than President Trump who was wounded in an assassination attempt?
There have been nut jobs in the past, in the present and in the future. There is no reason to punish the hundred million law abiding gun owners in the United States for the actions of a few. Unfortunately that is not what it’s all about for the left. They want to strangle the Second Amendment any way they can.
The person who did the shooting at FSU was the stepson of a Leon County, Florida, sheriff’s deputy. He gained access to one of her firearms. As usual the anti-gunners want to pass laws that would not have stopped him.
Lieutenant Colonel David Grossman at IGOLD, May 14, 2025
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime.
A West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science, and an Army Ranger, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is also the author or co-author of five non-fiction and four fiction books and has co-authored a New York Times best-selling book with Glenn Beck. His books sell world-wide, translated into numerous languages, and have been on required reading lists for the FBI academy, the US Marine Corps Commandant’s Required Reading List and other academies and colleges.
He has presented papers before the national conventions of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and to over 100 different colleges and universities world wide, and has trained educators and law enforcement professionals, at the federal, state and regional level, in all 50 states and over a dozen foreign nations. Lt. Col. Grossman was also called to the White House to serve on President Trump’s Round Table on Violent Video Games, was an expert witness in numerous cases and has also testified before Congress on three occasions…and this is just a small portion of his impressive, extensive resume.
Needless to say, Lt. Col. Grossman’s depth of knowledge is not only vast, but extremely relevant to the ongoing fight for our Second Amendment rights. His timely presentations are not to be missed! Make sure you save the date to hear him speak at this year’s IGOLD on May 14, 2025 – you’ll be glad you did!
Hopefully, everyone has received their IGOLD mailing. Due to a printing error, the zip code for Chatsworth, IL, was left off. Please add it…60921.
Display Tables Available at IGOLD
Display tables will be available at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center during IGOLD for $100.00 each. If you or your company are interested or need more information, please call the ISRA headquarters at 815-635-3198. We will be glad to sign you up and we take credit cards for your convenience.
Buy 2025 IGOLD Raffle Tickets Online!
CLICK HERE
I want to thank all of those who are entering or donating to the 2025 IGOLD Raffle. Your contributions are critical to protecting the Second Amendment in Illinois. Those who have email will have their raffle tickets emailed to them. Since you are reading this online, I’m sure this includes you. Those who don’t have email will receive them by USPS snail mail. Emailing your tickets to you is faster, more efficient, and less expensive. Every penny we save is one more penny to help us in our epic fight to protect the Second Amendment. Be sure to watch your email.
I hope to see you on Wednesday May 14th at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center
Doors open at 10:30 am. I am really excited to hear Col. Grossman speak. Thank you, again, for supporting the ISRA!
New IGOLD Merchandise in the ISRA Online Store
Come visit the ISRA Online Store to view our new line of IGOLD merchandise. We have new items added every week and, if you have something particular you would like to see available, let us know! We would love to hear your ideas and appreciate your input! Email them to us at: member@isra.org
Visit the ISRA Online Store HERE
Bulletproof – Safety Conference With Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
An exciting event is coming to southern Illinois! We are happy to inform you about the Bulletproof House of Worship Safety Conference being held in Mt. Vernon, IL on April 24-26th. This seminar will host guest speakers with real-life experience of dealing with active shooters in places of worship and on the streets; Over 145 years of law enforcement and well over 1000 safety conferences for houses of worship in more than 40 states across the country.
This is a great opportunity to hear Lt. Col. Dave Grossman speak prior to IGOLD being held on May 14th in Springfield, IL, where he will be the keynote speaker. Click on the photo/flyer below to learn more and/or register for this exciting and unique event!
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list.The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Free Digital Addition of “Midwest Outdoors Magazine” for ISRA Members
Beginning in May, for all current members who receive our email, a digital copy of “Midwest Outdoors Magazine” will be available to you for FREE! You will receive an email from them at the beginning of each month with a link to the online magazine. If you were to purchase this, it would be $9.95 per year, but this is just another of the benefits of being an ISRA member. You can always opt out if you care to do so.
IDNR 24-25 Deer Stats & Straight-Walled Cartridges
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reports that 30% of the deer harvested in the 2024-2025 season were taken with rifles using straight-walled cartridges. Rifles using straight-walled are great for anyone but particularly those of smaller stature. I advocated for allowing straight-walled cartridges for years. Rifles using these cartridges help bring more women into deer hunting in Illinois. That is a good thing.
Register NOW for ISRA Academy CCL Renewals
Do not miss out on the ISRA Academy featuring CCL renewals each month. Upcoming dates are:
4/27/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
5/11/2025 (Sunday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
5/25/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
ISRA Range Tour
4/26/2025 (Saturday) 10:00am – 11:30am & 1:00pm – 2:30pm / All Ranges & Clubhouse –
No registration required.
CCL Renewal & Qualification
4/27/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
5/11/2025 (Sunday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
5/25/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
ISRA Pistol 201 Course
8/23/2025 (Saturday) 8:00am – 5:00pm / Range 8 – Register HERE
NRA Basic Pistol Course
5/24/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 6 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Defensive Shotgun 1 & 2
8/24/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 4:00pm / Range 9 – Register HERE
NRA Range Safety Officer Class
5/3/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar HERE for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
Important Announcement – IGOLD
The 2025 IGOLD date has been moved to May 14, 2025. This is due to a change in the legislative calendar. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
April 24, 1800 – The Library of Congress was established. President John Adams approved legislation to appropriate $5000 for the purpose of purchasing books and maps for the library.
April 24, 1945 – President Harry S. Truman learned the details of the Manhattan Project, the plan to create the atomic bomb. Prior to that, Truman had been kept in the dark.
April 26, 1865 – John Wilkes Booth died 12 days after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Booth had been discovered hiding in a barn on the Garrett Farm. The barn was set on fire and Booth was shot. He was pulled from the barn but lived only three more hours.
April 27, 2004 – The World War II Monument opened in Washington D.C. It is a fitting tribute to the 16 million Americans who served in the armed service during World War II and the millions more who supported them at home. If you ever get a chance, you should visit the monument.
April 30, 1945 – Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his bunker. Good riddance
Other Events & Gun Shows
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only.
If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class, let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Weekly Range Schedule.
May 17 – May 18, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 6 – June 8, 2025 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Oct 12, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov 1, 2025 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Nov 29 – Nov 30, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Dec 6 – Dec 7, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Dec 14, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
ISRA Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tues – Golden Corral, 1591 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thurs – Kenootz Pizza, 4659 147th St., Midlothian, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wed – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Livingston County – 4th Saturday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social Hour 4:30pm – 5:30pm; Meeting 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join today
Donate: https://isra.org/support-us/
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar