Gun rights advocates are closely watching the Supreme Court after the justices agreed to hear a challenge to Cook County, Illinois' assault weapons ban, a case that could have broad implications for similar laws across the country.
The decision comes as several new state firearm restrictions take effect and others continue to face legal challenges in federal court.
Speaking with The National News Desk, John Commerford, executive director of the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action, said he believes the Court's recent Second Amendment decisions have laid the groundwork for further rulings in favor of gun rights.
"The Bruen case in 2022 laid the foundation for future wins at the Supreme Court," Commerford said.
He also pointed to the Court's recent decision involving Hawaii's concealed carry restrictions, arguing it signals how the justices may approach future cases involving firearm regulations.
"What you just saw in Hawaii, you're going to see replicated again against Illinois and also Connecticut's ban on semi-automatic firearms," he said.
The Supreme Court's decision to hear the Illinois case arrives as several states continue implementing new firearm restrictions.
Among them are Rhode Island's assault weapons ban and new regulations in California affecting certain firearms.
Meanwhile, a Virginia judge recently blocked enforcement of that state's proposed assault weapons restrictions while litigation proceeds.
Commerford argued those states should view the Supreme Court's decision as an indication that similar laws may face constitutional challenges.
"I think SCOTUS just put them on notice," he said.
He described the firearms at issue as "the most commonly purchased consumer products in the country" and said the Department of Justice has become more active in defending Second Amendment rights.
"The Department of Justice is truly protecting the Second Amendment as a civil right, which is exactly what it is," Commerford said.
The interview also addressed reports that the Justice Department is examining allegations that firearm background checks in Virginia may have been delayed as new state regulations approached implementation.
Commerford said the allegations deserve review.
"I think it's great that the DOJ put them on notice because it needs to be looked at," he said.
The NRA has joined several other Second Amendment organizations in challenging firearm restrictions across multiple states.
According to Commerford, the organization's recent legal victory in Virginia is part of a broader strategy aimed at bringing additional Second Amendment cases before the Supreme Court.
"We have a compounding effect with our friends in the Second Amendment community," he said.
Looking ahead, Commerford said recent comments by several Supreme Court justices suggest the Court is prepared to address broader questions involving bans on certain semi-automatic firearms.
"Justice Kavanaugh signaled that it was time for the Supreme Court to take a case like this," Commerford said. "Justice Thomas has said that the Second Amendment is not to be treated as a second-class right."
He argued the upcoming Illinois case could become one of the Court's most significant Second Amendment decisions since its 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.
"The time is now to restore these key Second Amendment rights to all law-abiding Americans," Commerford said.
Although several state firearm restrictions remain in effect while litigation continues, Commerford believes many of those laws could ultimately be overturned if the Supreme Court rules broadly in the Illinois case.
"I hope this time next year you're having me right here... to talk about another big win at the Supreme Court," he said. "I think that's what's coming down the line."
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