Mulligan: Legislation Will Curb Gun Violence in Illinois

April 5, 2001

Des Plaines…Seeking to unleash the full weight of federal law enforcement power against violent gun users, State Representative Rosemary Mulligan sponsored legislation to enact a program called Project Exile in Illinois. Project Exile would mirror a highly successful program initiated in Richmond, Virginia that utilizes federal firearm laws to send previous offenders caught with guns directly to federal prison.

Mulligan's legislation will bring convicted felons or people involved in drug trafficking or drug use who are arrested with a firearm, which is in violation of either of two U.S. Statutes, before a federal court. Suspects who plead or are found guilty typically receive at least five years in a federal penitentiary out of state. Currently, plea-bargains and being released on bond allow many criminals to serve lighter sentences or escape prosecution entirely.

"This program will ensure tough but fair punishment for people who commit violent crimes with guns," said Mulligan. "It will make people think again before using a firearm because they can now face federal prosecution."
Since Project Exile's implementation in 1997 in the city of Richmond, Virginia, in 1997, homicides have dropped 46 percent, crimes involving guns have declined by 65 percent, aggravated assaults have decreased by 39 percent, and the overall number of violent crimes have dropped by 35 percent.

Mulligan's legislation is supported by the Illinois Crime Commission, the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, the Illinois Sheriff's Association and the Illinois State's Attorneys Association.
The legislation now heads to the Illinois Senate for approval.