Guns Could Be Taken To Prevent Violence Under New Bill

SPRINGFIELD — Family members who see signs of potential violence in a loved one would be able to request a firearms restraining order to have guns temporarily confiscated under legislation that passed the Illinois House this week. The Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act creates a process for those who fear a relative might act on a violent threat or has shown signs of potential violence.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, passed the House in an 80-32 vote and now goes to the Senate, which passed a similar bill earlier this year.

Under the bill, a petitioner could request an emergency lethal violence order of protection by filing an affidavit alleging that a gun owner poses an immediate and present danger of causing injury to him or herself or others. The person filing the request would also have to describe the type and location of any firearms believed to be in the individual's possession.

If a court finds cause and issues a lethal violence order of protection, the act would dictate that the person "must refrain from having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving additional firearms for the duration of the order; and turn over to the local law enforcement agency any firearm, Firearm Owner's Identification Card, or concealed carry license in his or her possession."

The bill comes after an Illinois man — who at one point had his firearms confiscated and later returned by his father — is accused of opening fire, killing four people at a Nashville-area Waffle House. Authorities say accused shooter Travis Reinking's father asked to hang on to his son's weapons after they were confiscated following an arrest at the White House in 2017. But officials say father Jeff Reinking eventually returned the weapons, including the AR-15 used in the deadly shooting, to his son. The Reinking family had previously called police on the accused shooter over fears regarding his mental health.

Waffle House Victim's Family Sues Reinking's Father

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