CHICAGO (AP) — Authorities from Chicago and southwest Illinois are giving public testimony on the causes and problems of illegal gun trafficking.
The Illinois Gun Trafficking Task Force had its first meeting Wednesday. It was formed by a House resolution this year and is comprised of that chamber’s lawmakers.
Democratic Rep. Christian Mitchell of Chicago called for the group. He says gun violence is the biggest public health issue.
Illinois State Police officials say the problem partially stems from guns coming from other states with more lax gun laws. St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly says it’s a difficult phenomenon to prosecute because those charged with crimes have little incentive to say where they got the illegal guns.
The task force will present a report with its findings as early as November.
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