Otis McDonald forever will be known as the man who brought down Chicago’s gun ban.
After a long illness, he died Friday, April 4, at the age of 80.
The landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that bears his name forced Chicago to fall in line with the rest of the country and allow citizens to keep firearms in their homes for self-defense. The justices’ 5-4 decision in 2010 said the Second Amendment did indeed apply to the states, effectively ending the city’s nearly three-decade handgun ban.
Those in the pro-gun movement called Mr. McDonald a hero. But regardless of where people stood in the tense battle over gun rights, many would say he was courageous.
Otis McDonald, 1933-2014: Fought Chicago’s gun ban
God Bless and thank you. We will never thank you enough for your effort.
Shortly after the case had been decided, Otis was present at the annual Illinois Gun Owner’s Lobby Day (IGOLD) event in Springfield, IL at the State Capitol building.
I attended that meeting and had the opportunity to shake Otis’ hand and thank him for his efforts.