Illinois Mayor Deborah Feinen Bans Gun Sales Over Coronavirus, But No Cases in Champaign, IL

Feinen didn't just ban AR-15 rifles. 

She signed an executive order banning the sale of all guns.

Though there have been 32 cases of coronavirus in the state, there have been 0 in the city of Champaign, IL.

The mayor issued a statement that she is only taking the steps "necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare" of Champaign.

The Washington Examiner has more on Feinen's executive order:

The mayor of Champaign, Illinois, gave herself the power to ban the sale of guns and alcohol after declaring a citywide emergency to address the coronavirus.

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen signed the executive order on Thursday declaring a state of emergency for the city. That executive order, which is in line with municipal code, comes with extraordinary powers for the mayor to enact over a short period of time as the city combats the spread of the coronavirus.

Among the powers Feinen gained after signing the executive order was the power to ban the sale of guns, ammunition, alcohol, and gasoline. Feinen could also cut off access to individuals' gas, water, or electricity. The city also has the ability to "take possession of private property" or order the temporary closing of all bars or liquor stores.

Jeff Hamilton, the city's manager, told WAND, "The executive order allows the city to be flexible to properly respond to the emergency needs of our community. None of the options will necessarily be implemented but are available in order to protect the welfare and safety of our community if needed."

The Champaign City Council held a meeting to address concerns about the powers granted to Feinen on Friday. Deputy Mayor Tom Bruno noted that each ordinance considered under the executive order would be ratified by the council. The city also released a statement claiming that the council and the mayor would only take steps "necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare" of the city.

The order is currently stated to be in effect for 28 days.

Is banning the sale of guns, which infringes on an American's Second Amendment right to bear arms, really "in the interest of the public?"

The move certainly appears to look more like a power play.

The city council voted unanimously to approve Mayor Feinen's executive order.

Many gun owners worry that Mayor Feinen's order will encourage other small Democrat mayors to take similar actions throughout the country.

While there are 32 cases of coronavirus in the state of Illinois, there are no cases reported in her town or in the surrounding counties.

The Blaze outlines exactly how the executive order will impact life in Champaign, IL:

The emergency declaration reportedly gives Feinen's office "extraordinary powers" and was made despite there being no confirmed coronavirus cases in central Illinois as of Thursday evening, according to a report by WAND-TV.

The news outlet noted that the city's municipal code grants the mayor authority to declare an emergency for a limited time and goes on to list several of the powers allotted to the mayor in such an instance:

Ban sale of firearms and ammunition;

Ban sale of any alcohol;

Closing of all bars, taverns, liquor stores, etc;

Ban sale or giving away of gasoline or other liquid flammable or combustible products in any container other than a gasoline tank permanently fixed to a motor vehicle;

Direct the shutoff of power, water, gas, etc;

Take possession of private property and obtain full title to same ;and

Prohibit or restrict ingress and egress to and from the City.

According to the City of Champaign's communications manager, Jeff Hamilton, "the executive order allows the city to be flexible to properly respond to the emergency needs of our community."

He added that "none of the options will necessarily will be implemented but are available in order to protect the welfare and safety of our community if needed."

At an emergency meeting on Friday morning, the city council unanimously approved that the ordinance, effectively placing the city under a local emergency. The ordinance will reportedly be in place for 28 days.

Interestingly, while the mayor also has the power to ban "food, water, clothing, and/or other commodities, materials, goods, services and resources," alcohol and guns were the two items she immediately moved to ban.

Instead of making political moves, we hope that our leaders will choose to partner with this administration to help keep all Americans safe!