"While I understand and appreciate the urgency, the temporary ban challenges the foundation of our Constitution, which I swore an oath to uphold," He continued. "I am wary of placing my deputies in positions that could lead to civil liability conflicts, as well as the potential risks posed by prohibiting law-abiding citizens from their constitutional right to self-defense."

"I was elected to represent and safeguard all constituents and to ensure the balance between our rights and public safety is maintained," Allen said. "That means we must critically evaluate any proposed solution to the deeply rooted issue of gun violence, ensuring we both protect our community and uphold the values that define us as a nation."

The event quickly sparked reaction on social media.

"Wow. The privilege here is just beyond words. What a slap in the face to all of those who are struggling, especially in today's economy," one commenter wrote.

"I have to echo the tone-deafness of this. Held at a country club of all places," another user wrote. "You're literally holding an event to make rich people feel good about themselves and further stigmatize the experiences of people in poverty. It's not even a fund raiser? A food drive? Something that would give anything back to the people whose experiences you're pretending to care about?"

Highland Park is an affluent community located on Chicago's North Shore. In a report from 2021, the Chicago suburb was listed among the richest cities in the country, with a median household income that was "more than double the national figure," according to data analyzed by finance website 24/7 Wall Street.

The City of Highland Park is hosting a "poverty simulation" event Saturday at a country club.

The city partnered with the Alliance for Human Services, Family Focus, Moraine Township and the Highland Park Community Foundation with the goal of increasing "residents' understanding and awareness of what it is like to live in poverty in Lake County."

"Participants in this immersive experience will begin to experience what a "month" in poverty feels like. Participants are put into situations in which they do not have enough resources and are forced to make difficult choices that can negatively impact them and their families. The outcome is increased awareness of the need for resources to support those living in poverty to create a more resilient health, human, and education sector in our local area," a description for the event reads.