Springfield, Illinois —Illinois State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) has been appointed to the Interstate Gun Trafficking Task Force by Senate President John J. Cullerton.  The purpose of this task force is to combat the growing problem of illegal firearms trafficking throughout the Midwest.

There are an enormous amount of illegal firearms in the Chicago area.  According to a five year study conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 45 percent of all guns seized in the City of Chicago originated in Mississippi.  In addition, since the federal ban on assault weapons was lifted in 1994 the Chicago Police Department has seized over 1500 assault weapons. 

This task force will study measures that can be implemented to help reduce the harmful effects of illegal interstate gun trafficking.  The task force will work with legislatures and task forces of other states to put an end to gun trafficking across state lines.  The task force will present its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2010.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on this task force,” Senator Munoz said.  “Over the years I have sponsored many bills to regulate both hand guns and large caliber weapons.  In addition, this year I passed a law that will increase the penalties for owning a vehicle with a hidden compartment that can be used to smuggle illegal items such as weapons or drugs.  I look forward to working with the other members of the task force to find a way to stop illegal weapons from entering Illinois”