Illinois police resist turning over the names of FOID card holders

I think that the police have it right that disclosure of who has a permit to own a gun in Illinois would endanger those who do not own a gun. Someone intent on harming an individual would now be able to look up whether the potential victim is able to defend themselves. From the Chicago Tribune.

State police officials have long held that releasing information about the holders of Firearm Owners identification cards would be an unwarranted invasion of privacy prohibited by the state public records law and that disclosure would automatically endanger the lives of gun owners or those who don't have firearms.

In its letter, the attorney general's office disagreed, saying the public has "a legitimate interest" in having the information about who has the right to possess a gun.

Despite the decree, the names likely won't be uncloaked soon. A state police lawyer indicated in a letter Tuesday the agency planned to ask a judge to decide the matter. And Republican lawmakers have filed legislation to make names permanently private.

Through the Freedom of Information Act, The Associated Press requested in September the names of each FOID cardholder in the state and the expiration date of each card. State police denied the request, prompting the public access counselor's intervention. . . .

Thanks to Tony Troglio and Chris Klemm for the link.