May 22, 2025
A Right Delayed Is A Right Denied
ISRA Condemns State Police Suspension of 2A Rights in Illinois
The ISRA learned that the Illinois State Police, using their unconstitutional FOID card system, decided to suspend 2nd Amendment rights in Illinois for 26 hours. On Tuesday, May 20th at 2pm, the ISP shut off access to the FOID card portal for firearms sellers until 4pm the next day. So, for 26 hours, FOID card holders were not able to purchase ammunition in Illinois since ISP requires the seller to verify that your card is still valid. Additionally, the majority of firearms dealers that we talked to said they were unable to sell firearms during this time as well.
Make no mistake, what’s being labeled as “system maintenance” was a suspension of Illinois citizen’s 2nd Amendment rights. When the issues caused by this shutdown were brought to the attention of the ISP, they decided to continue anyway. It appears that acting Director Brendan Kelly continues to carry water for Governor Pritzker by interfering with law-abiding citizen’s constitutional rights.
If law enforcement announced they were stopping protests for 26 hours, or that they could search homes without a warrant for the next 26 hours, we imagine the Governor might intervene. However, since this suspension of rights involved an amendment that Governor Pritzker has shown nothing but contempt for, it proceeded.
The FOID card has been found to be unconstitutional in Illinois Circuit Court and this incident goes to show how this unduly burdensome system can be used to take away rights at the whims of Illinois politicians. If rights can be suspended for “maintenance”, one can only imagine what will happen to them the next time an emergency declaration is made.
The ISRA is encouraging Illinois Firearm owners to call their Senators & Representatives about this suspension of rights by the ISP. We also encourage a phone call to the office of acting Director Brendan Kelly at 217-782-7263 and let him know that the ISP needs to keep the FOID portal open for dealers or scrap the FOID program altogether.
Furthermore, we are encouraging members of the Senate to look closely at how this situation has been handled when deciding whether or not to confirm Acting Director Kelly to a new term heading up the Illinois State Police. From taking away rights without due process and requiring 18 months of bureaucracy to get them back, to banning common firearms with no reasonable way of explaining to the public how the rules of that ban work, and now suspending rights in the name of maintenance…Acting Director Kelly has shown little to no regard for the rights of Illinois citizens and should be removed from his post.
It Was A Fine Day For IGOLD – Thank You Lt. Col. Grossman
I would like to thank everyone who attended IGOLD this year. Our speaker, Lt. Col. David Grossman, was great. Lt. Col. Grossman has several books out that are a terrific addition to any library. I have ordered a couple and also purchased another at IGOLD. One I particularly like is entitled “Why Mommy Carries a Gun”. This well-illustrated 42 page booklet explains self defense in an easy and clear way. I recommend every firearm owner purchase one of these books to read and share with his/her family.
Please visit his website for more info at: www.GrossmanOnTruth.com
See you all next year!
Litigation Update
No further changes to report at this time.
As always, the Illinois State Rifle Association fights for you. Not a member? Join today!
Donate to Legal Assistance HERE!
Legislative Update
We expect special sessions this summer, so don’t be surprised by anything.
As always, we will keep you updated if we hear any news.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Another Reason To Get Your CCL
Homeowner fatally shoots axe-wielding intruder in Duplin County, no charges filed
On May 16th, 2025, in Duplin County, NC, an axe-wielding intruder was fatally shot by an armed, North Carolina homeowner after encountering the violent offender in his home. At approximately 6:30 am on Mother’s Day in the small town of Magnolia, the perpetrator, 35 year old David Bradly White, attempted to break into the home through the back door while brandishing an axe. The homeowners, fearing for their lives, fired multiple shots through the back door, hitting White and killing him. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was found by deputies with the axe and several other weapons beside him. The shooting was deemed justified by the local District Attorney and no charges have been filed against the homeowners.
Again, this is a clear-cut example of why you should always be prepared for the worst. Everyone should be trained with a firearm to not only protect yourself, but those you love, and your community. We encourage you and your family to take advantage of all of the wonderful courses, leagues and events that the ISRA provides. Take advantage of our Concealed Carry Certification courses and be ready to defend yourself and your family. Better to be prepared than not!
Original article posted by Ammoland Inc. – Posted on May 16, 2025 by F. Riehl, Editor in Chief
Click HERE to read the article online…..
ISRA Range Tour – Open to the public – Saturday, June 7th
On Saturday, June 7th, the ISRA Range in Bonfield will be conducting range tours for those who might be interested in joining the ISRA Range. The ISRA Range is one of the few “Five Star” outdoor ranges around. You are welcome to take the tour and please bring a friend. On that day, the range will be hosting the USPSA Steel Challenge which is worth watching all by itself.
There will be two tours. The morning tour starts at 10:00am and ends at 11:30am. The afternoon tour starts at 1:00pm and runs until 2:30pm. I hope to see you there.
Time’s Running Out! Get Your IGOLD Raffle Tickets!
Drawing is May 28, 2025!
Hurry and purchase your ticket NOW! This is your last chance! Your contributions are critical to protecting the Second Amendment in Illinois! Winners need not be present to win.
Buy 2025 IGOLD Raffle Tickets Online!
CLICK HERE
When You Fear For Your Life, Six Minutes Is An Eternity…..
For all those who believe they’re calling 911 for help and waiting for the police to arrive in an emergency might want to rethink your position. I’ve long advocated that the only person that can take care of you is YOU. Here’s another example of what happens in real life.
In Chatham County, Dylan Johnson was frantically calling 911. Dylan was not at home at the time but his wife and their new baby were. An intruder was trying to get into their home. Mr. Johnson called 911 only to be put on hold. He actually called 911 three times and was on hold for six minutes. It wasn’t other emergencies the 911 staff were concerned about. Oh no. They were ordering breakfast at McDonald’s. All calls in a 911 center are recorded. You can clearly hear the 911 operator ordering breakfast.
Fortunately for Mrs. Johnson, the police arrived in time. When you fear for your life, six minutes is an eternity. A lot of damage could be done in six minutes. No word on what happened to the 911 operator or the other staff.
Across the United States, some 911 response times are notoriously slow. For example, in 2022, the average time for a 911 call in New Orleans was two hours and twenty five minutes.
For years we’ve said, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away. We may have to change that and say, when seconds count, the police are only hours away. Learn to defend yourself because, most likely, you will be on your own.
“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.
Register NOW for ISRA Academy CCL Renewals
Do not miss out on the ISRA Academy featuring CCL renewals each month. Be sure to pre-register by checking the ISRA Range Calendar for times/dates and clicking on the event of your choice for more info.
Click here for ISRA Range or call the ISRA Offices for more info at 815-635-3198.
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
May 25 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 9am-12pm
May 25 (Sunday) CCL Class Day 2 – Range 11, Clubhouse 9am-5:30pm
June 7 (Saturday) Range Tours 10am-11:30am & 1pm-2:30pm
June 8 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
June 14 (Saturday) Holster Skills & Drills – Range 11 – 12pm-4pm
June 21 & June 22 (Saturday & Sunday) Empowering First Shots – Range 1 & 2, Pavilion, Clubhouse 9am-6pm MORE INFO HERE
June 28 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
July 13 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
July 18 (Friday) NRA Basic Pistol – Range 1 & Clubhouse 8:30am-5pm
July 19 (Saturday) NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) – Clubhouse 8:30am-2:30pm
July 20 (Sunday) NRA Basic Pistol Instructor – Range 1 & Clubhouse 8am-6pm
July 26 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
August 10 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
August 14 (Thursday) IDNR Hunter Safety Course – Clubhouse 5pm-8pm
August 16 (Saturday) IDNR Hunter Safety Course – Clubhouse & Range 1 8am-4:30pm
August 22 (Friday) NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course – Range 11 & Clubhouse 8:30am-5pm
August 23 (Saturday) NRA Basic Rifle Instructor – Range 11 & Clubhouse 8:30am-6pm
August 23 (Saturday) ISRA Pistol Training 201 Course – Range 8 8am-5pm
August 29-31 (Friday-Sunday) Rangemaster 3-Day Firearms Instructor Development & Certification Course
September 2-5 (Thursday-Sunday) Massad Ayoob’s MAG-40 Course
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
May 23rd is Poppy Day. What is Poppy Day? Many people have never heard of it. Poppy Day memorializes those who have fought in war. After World War I, the devastated battle fields in France and Belgium suddenly became covered with brilliant red poppies. It is thought that the artillery shells broke up limestone that mixed with the nitrates and other residue from the artillery shells which fertilized the ground and made the perfect seed bed for the native poppies. The fields were covered in endless poppies that waved in the breeze where just months before hundreds of thousands had been killed or wounded.
In 1920, the poppy was adopted as the official flower of the American Legion. Each year, on the Friday before Memorial Day, poppies are distributed to memorialize those who fought and died in World War I and after. There is no charge for the poppy. If you choose to make a donation, those funds are earmarked for assisting veterans and can only be used for providing necessary items for veterans in hospitals, homeless veterans, grocery cards or gas cards for veterans, food pantries or assistance in Honor Flights. Be sure to take a moment from your busy day and get your poppy!
May 26th is Memorial Day! Be sure to attend your local ceremonies to commemorate and thank all those who fought and died for this great country!
May 23, 1900 – Army sergeant William Harvey Carney receives the Medal of Honor. Sergeant Carney was the first black American to receive the Nation’s highest honor. The Carney family were slaves in the south and made their way to Massachusetts before the Civil War. Carney was originally planning to go into the ministry but, when the Civil War started, he thought the best way to serve his God, his country, and his brothers would be to enlist in the Army. Carney enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts, the first black regiment.
In the attack on Fort Wagner, Carney saw the flag bearer shot and the flag descending to the ground. He leapt forward and grabbed the flag, carrying it uphill to the fortress wall where he planted it in the sand. He held the flag up despite many bullet wounds. He nearly died, but was determined not to let the flag fall. His wounds were so bad, he was discharged from the United States Army and returned to Massachusetts where he worked for the United States Post Office and, eventually, in the Massachusetts State House.
May 24, 1775 – John Hancock becomes the first president of the second Continental Congress. He is best known for his signature on the Declaration of Independence. His large, over-sized signature was made, it is said, so that King George could read it clearly.
May 24, 1935 – The Cincinnati Reds defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 2 – 1 in Major League Baseball’s very first night game. The first night game ever played by a baseball team was in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 2, 1930. Night games saved major league baseball. In the depression, the number of fans attending games dropped dramatically. The introduction of lights helped to bring the crowds back.
May 25, 1787 – The Constitutional Convention begins in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. The Articles of Confederation, which had been radified in 1781, wasn’t doing the job. George Washington was elected president of the convention.
May 25, 1935 – Babe Ruth hits his last home run at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It would be his 714th home run. Many players thought “The Babe” was all washed up, but they were mistaken. He went three for four, which included three home runs, driving in a total of six runs. Not bad for a guy they thought was all washed up.
May 26, 1907 – John Wayne is born in Winterset, Iowa. His real name was Marion Robert Morrison. When he was six years old, his family moved to Glendale, California. Wayne wanted to join the United States Navy and attend the Naval Academy, but he was rejected. He went to Southern California University on a football scholarship but was then injured.
He began working in the movie industry in 1930, starring in the movie “The Big Trail”, but the movie did poorly. Finally, in 1939, John Ford gave Wayne his big break, casting him in “Stagecoach”…and the rest is history.
May 27, 1986 – The United States Patent Office issues a patent to Lonnie Johnson for his toys. Simply titled “squirt gun”, his toys, after a few name and design changes, became known as the “Super Soaker”. It is the best selling water toy of all time. I know the origins of the Super Soaker has been on your mind.
May 28, 1918 – In the first American sustained defensive of World War I, 4000 United States soldiers capture the village of Cantigny, France, from the Germans. The victory by American troops was significant in three ways. Firstly, it deprived the Germans of an important observation point outpost. Secondly, it proved the argument that an independent U.S. command should be maintained apart from the Allied Joint Command. And, thirdly, it proved to the Germans and the Allies that American troops were a force to be taken seriously.
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.
June 6 – June 8, 2025 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept 20, 2025 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Oct 4 – 5, 2025 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 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 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 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.
Feb 14 – Feb 15, 2025 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
ISRA Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tues – Village Pizza and Pub, 2496 N Randall Rd., Elgin, 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