Illinois Transit Gun Ban Upheld by Court

Supreme Court declines challenge to Illinois ban on concealed carry firearms on buses and trains

Illinois Transit Gun Ban Stands After Court Ruling

Illinois' ban on concealed carry firearms on public transit will remain in effect after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a legal challenge Tuesday. The decision affects all transit riders in the state who hold concealed carry permits, maintaining a prohibition that's been in place since 2013. The ruling leaves intact a law that also restricts firearms in arenas, hospitals, and other sensitive locations.

Legal Challenge Rejected

The Supreme Court announced its decision not to hear the appeal on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the case Schoenthal vs. Raoul. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit had previously upheld the law in September 2025. Judge Joshua Kolar wrote that the law fits within the nation's history and tradition of firearm regulation in confined, crowded, and sensitive places. The lower court found that regulations pertaining to confined spaces and sensitive places like schools and government buildings have historical precedent.

Officials and Advocates Respond

Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that everyone deserves to feel safe on public transportation. The plaintiffs' attorney, David G. Sigale, argued that transit riders are now less safe as a result of the law. The Illinois State Rifle Association is expected to continue fighting the prohibition in legislative, political, and legal arenas. Officials haven't indicated whether additional legal challenges will be filed in other courts.

Law Remains Unchanged

The Illinois firearms prohibition has applied to public transit since 2013, covering buses, trains, and transit stations statewide. The law extends beyond transit to include other public spaces such as arenas and hospitals. Officials didn't announce any changes to enforcement procedures following the Supreme Court's decision. The state's concealed carry permit system continues to operate with the transit restriction in place.

Impact on Transit Riders

The ruling maintains existing restrictions for Illinois transit riders who hold concealed carry permits, requiring them to leave firearms secured elsewhere when using public transportation. Transit agencies across the state will continue enforcing the ban as they have since 2013. Riders can check Moovit for real-time transit updates and trip planning across Illinois' public transportation systems.