Burr Ridge To Enforce New Gun Law: Officials

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge officials last week pledged to enforce a new gun law that requires owners of "assault" weapons to register them with the state.

Most Illinois sheriffs have said they refuse to enforce the law in question, saying it infringes on people's Second Amendment rights.

Among them is DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, although he has appeared to back off from his position.

Burr Ridge Police Chief John Madden is not taking the position of the sheriffs.

Madden said the law doesn't call for people to surrender their weapons.

"This law does not mean our officers will be going door to door and asking for weapons registration," Madden said.

But he said officers called onto private property for unrelated matters would take action if unregistered weapons are in view.

"I have been asked if this bill is a violation of the Constitution. That's for the courts to decide," Madden said.

Mayor Gary Grasso agreed with the chief's approach.

"The point being is that the village will not turn a blind eye to the necessary enforcement of this law," the mayor said. "Like all laws, the chief and officers will enforce them."

He said he wanted to make it clear where the village stands on the issue.

"We follow the law and will let the courts decide on the propriety of the law," Grasso said.

The law is being challenged in the courts. Under its provisions, residents with "assault" weapons must register them starting Oct. 1. They have until Jan. 1 to do so.