Highland Park approves state and federal assault weapons ban resolution

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. - Leaders in Highland Park unanimously approved a resolution Monday night calling for a state and federal assault weapons ban.

The Highland Park City Council passed a local assault weapons ban back in 2013, but is now officially calling on their neighbors to do the same.

"Mass shootings are a uniquely American problem and Highland Park is not an island. No community is safe until broader action is taken," said Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering.

Monday’s meeting came exactly six weeks after a gunman opened fire during the city's Fourth of July parade, killing seven people and injuring dozens of others.

"No city, town, or village should have to endure the devastation and trauma of a mass shooting," said Rotering.

The resolution calls for a state and federal ban on the manufacture, purchase, sale, and ownership of all semi-automatic weapons, high-capacity ammunition, and body armor, except as needed by the military and law enforcement agencies.

SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 32 CHICAGO ON YOUTUBE

"We all deserve to live in a country where guns are not the leading cause of death for children," said Rachel Jacoby, community member.

Community members, like Jacoby, spoke in support of the resolution before a vote was taken. As did Jen Hulsh, who is sending her children to preschool in a neighboring district next month, but has close ties to Highland Park and felt strongly about speaking out.

"While we should be picking out backpacks together as a rite of passage, I instead chose to purchase bulletproof backpacks online for my toddlers," said Hulsh.

Hulsh is one of many people who has gone to Washington, D.C. in the wake of last month’s mass shooting to demand change.

"These little wins feel good and I’m really looking forward to the big win, it’s going to take a lot, but we’re going to get there," said Hulsh.

None of the community members who spoke during the public comment portion of Monday’s meeting expressed opposition to the resolution.

Before council members considered the resolution, Mayor Nancy Rotering addressed the impact that last month's Fourth of July parade shooting has had on the community.

"Make no mistake, this is not where we end our fight to save lives. We ask others to join us, and trade thoughts and prayers for action," said Rotering.

Also discussed Monday evening, the City of Highland Park is still planning on creating a permanent memorial to honor the parade shooting victims.

This is in its early stages, and officials said they will be consulting with the Department of Justice, trauma experts, and the victim's families during the process.