Gun supporters lobby state lawmakers

SPRINGFIELD — Throngs of gun rights supporters converged on the Illinois Capitol Wednesday afternoon to speak to lawmakers as part of an annual lobby day sponsored by the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Participants in the Illinois Gun Owner’s Lobby Day were encouraged to seek out their local lawmakers and share their views on pending gun-related legislation. The event was co-sponsored by IllinoisCarry.com and the McHenry County Right to Carry Association.

Before flooding the entrances to the Capitol, the crowd chanted “Concealed carry now!” in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln.

The state’s first concealed carry plan, proposed by downstate lawmakers, is among the key gun-related issues being addressed in Springfield. A federal appellate panel in December gave Illinois until June 9 to legalize some form of concealed carry. Also of concern to gun-rights supporters Wednesday was the proposed ban on military-style assault weapons by Chicago Democrats.

Several suburban buses to the rally were canceled because of Tuesday’s snow, according to the rifle association’s website.