Chicago Mayor Signs Order Immediately Changing Gun Procurement Rules

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has enacted a new executive order, effective immediately, that significantly alters the city's approach to acquiring firearms and related equipment. Executive Order 2026-04, signed on July 29, aims to enhance public safety by scrutinizing the vendors from whom the city purchases weapons.

Johnson stated that approximately 5% of gun distributors are linked to 90% of illegal devices connected to criminal activities. He emphasized that the reform, developed in collaboration with the organization Brady, seeks to prevent taxpayer dollars from supporting sellers who traffic illegal weapons. "There are more gun traffickers in the U.S. than McDonald's, Starbucks and Walmarts combined," Johnson noted, highlighting the scale of the issue.

The new policy empowers the city to use its purchasing power to enforce stricter standards within the market. Contracts will now consider not only economic factors but also vendors' compliance history. Within 90 days, the Department of Procurement Services, in conjunction with the Chicago Police Department and the Department of Law, will establish specific rules for all future purchases of arms, ammunition, and accessories.

Companies seeking to contract with Chicago must now provide comprehensive information, including details on weapons commercialized by the firm that were later recovered by authorities in criminal investigations over the preceding three years. This transparency measure is intended to ensure greater accountability and reinforce the city's commitment to safety, as Johnson asserted, "All families deserve to feel safe in their neighborhood, and through this commitment, we foster greater accountability."