Lead plaintiff’s bid to leave AR-15 ban case could disrupt Supreme Court review

The Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to Cook County’s AR-15 ban next month.

Two Illinois men brought the case, arguing that the ban violates the Second Amendment, which protects the right to bear arms.

The county ordinance bars the sale or possession of AR-15-style rifles and large-capacity magazines.

Lead plaintiff Cutberto Viramontes’s lawyers have asked to remove him from the case but gave no reason.

Cook County says his departure could make the case moot and has asked the justices to dismiss it.

The other plaintiff, Christopher Khaya, wants to buy a different rifle, and the county says the case record does not establish how it compares with an AR-15.

A separate challenge to Connecticut’s similar ban would continue, even if the Cook County case is dismissed, and its outcome could affect other bans.