Are Illinois gun laws strong enough to protect the public?

The suspected gunman in Highland Park had two previous encounters with law enforcement. So how was he able to legally purchase his guns?

By Char Daston
Highland park memorial
Area residents visit a memorial to the seven people who lost their lives in the Highland Park, Ill., Fourth of July mass shooting, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Highland Park. Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press
Highland park memorial
Area residents visit a memorial to the seven people who lost their lives in the Highland Park, Ill., Fourth of July mass shooting, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Highland Park. Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

Are Illinois gun laws strong enough to protect the public?

The suspected gunman in Highland Park had two previous encounters with law enforcement. So how was he able to legally purchase his guns?

By Char Daston
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The Highland Park shooting suspect had attempted suicide, threatened a family member with a knife, and made numerous posts and videos online about his obsession with violence. But Illinois State Police say there was no evidence of a “clear and present danger” when he submitted his firearm application three years ago.

Reset takes a closer look at how Illinois gun laws work, and whether more could have been done to prevent the mass shooting.

GUESTS: Patrick Smith, WBEZ criminal justice reporter

Annie Sweeney, reporter for the Chicago Tribune