U.S. Justice Department Sues Los Angeles Sheriff Over Gun License Delays

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, claiming that it has violated the Constitution by significantly delaying the processing of concealed carry licenses. According to the DOJ, these “unreasonable delays” infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of California residents who wish to carry firearms in public.

The complaint was submitted to a federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, outlining that the sheriff’s department has failed to issue licenses in a timely manner. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of the Second Amendment, stating, “The Second Amendment protects the fundamental constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms. Los Angeles County may not like that right, but the Constitution does not allow them to infringe upon it.”

The lawsuit follows an investigation initiated by the DOJ in March 2023, which aimed to assess the processing of concealed carry permit applications in Los Angeles County. The findings revealed that, of more than 8,000 applications received, only two had been approved. Furthermore, the sheriff’s department scheduled interviews for potential license approvals as far as two years after the submission of completed applications.

According to the DOJ’s statements, the sheriff’s department takes an average of 281 days to begin processing applications. This duration exceeds California’s legal requirement, which mandates that initial reviews be completed within 90 days of application submission. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to compel the sheriff’s department to adhere to the law and expedite the issuance of concealed carry licenses.

The issues surrounding the processing times have sparked a significant debate about gun rights and public safety in California. As the DOJ pushes for a resolution, the situation highlights the ongoing tension between state regulations and constitutional rights regarding firearm ownership and use.

Messages have been sent to the sheriff’s department for comment, but responses have yet to be received. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for gun owners in Los Angeles County and potentially influence similar cases across the United States.