Lake County Gazette

Lake County State Line Rifle Association is holding an NRA Day Family Fun Shoot on May 20. 

The NRA Day Family Fun Shoot will be held at a new location which is at Wisconsin Sportsman's Association 16010 Durand Ave, Union Grove 

"It's not too late to register. Bring your family and friends. This is a great event for new and experienced shooters,” Abraham Avalos said on Facebook. “Firearms safety briefing, NRA certified instructors, Handguns, Rifle, Trap Shooting. Adults $25, Ages 12 - 17 $10, 11 & under free with a PAID parent."

 All firearms & ammunition will be provided. 

"Sign in at 8:30 am. at the Clubhouse building," Avalos said. "MANDATORY safety briefing at 9 am. On range approximately 9:30 am. This event is funded in part by the NRA Foundation. For more information. contact: camp@statelinerifle.com. Please mail your registration form & payment by 5/13/23 to: SLRA Attn: Family Fun Shoot P.O. Box 7837 Gurnee, IL 60031-7005.” 

With crime on the rise in Chicago over the past few years many Illinoisans have armed themselves. There are over 450,000 concealed carry license holders in Illinois. CBS Chicago reported on the rise in concealed carry license requests from Illinoisans. 

"There's no question people feel unsafe," Dan Eldridge, owner of Maxon's Shooter's Supplies in Des Plaines, told CBS. 

At the end of 2022, he noted a 15% increase in enrollment in CCL and pistol training classes.

Gun owners held Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day on March 29 at the state Capitol building in Springfield. The group protested a gun ban of over 170 types of commonly owned. 

“The Illinois State Rifle Association and others are suing the State of Illinois over its unconstitutional ban on most semi-automatic firearms. Please take the day off and attend this event,” ISRA said in a press release, according to Prairie State Wire.

Avalos, a survivor of the Independence Day parade shooting who rushed to the aid of others on the scene, said he left his pistol in his glove compartment that day in accordance with the law. He said the alleged gunman, Robert Crimo III, obviously did not follow the current laws put in place. 

“I've always known that there's always going to be people who obey laws,” he said, Lake County Gazette previously reported. “There's people who are not going to obey laws. There's people who are going to have respect for life. And there's people who are not going to have respect for life. I know that as a gun owner, because that's why I carry. That's why I'm a gun owner, to protect my life, the lives of my family members, the lives of all of my friends and other people. That's why I'm a gun owner.”  

He also called out HB5855 (Protect Illinois Communities Act) bill sponsor State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield), who was also at the parade, by name. “I understand why you guys support this bill. I understand (this legislation) coming from Bob Morgan. You are a nice person. The times that I met you, you really are. I understand why you think that this bill is going to help. It's not. I hate to say it to you, in my personal belief."