The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a landmark lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, alleging the agency has repeatedly infringed on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by delaying concealed carry weapon (CCW) applications.
Filed in the Federal Central District of California, the complaint follows a federal probe that uncovered severe backlogs, leaving residents, particularly in high-crime neighborhoods, unable to legally obtain permits.
Attorney General Pam Bondi underscored the historic scope of the action.
“The Second Amendment protects the fundamental constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms,” she said. “Los Angeles County may not like that right, but the Constitution does not allow them to infringe upon it. This Department of Justice will continue to fight for the Second Amendment.”
The investigation, initiated on March 27, was prompted by complaints from residents alleging their applications had been ignored or delayed for years.
DOJ officials reported that, nearly two months after the inquiry began, the sheriff’s department provided data showing that out of over 8,000 applications, only two had been approved.
Some applicants had been waiting nearly two years for interviews, far beyond California’s statutory 90-day timeline and in potential violation of recent Supreme Court rulings affirming the right to carry, The Post Millennial reports.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, who oversees the Civil Rights Division, stated, “This lawsuit seeks to stop Los Angeles County’s egregious pattern and practice of delaying law-abiding citizens from exercising their right to bear arms.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli highlighted the practical consequences for residents.
“Citizens living in high-crime areas cannot afford to wait to protect themselves with firearms while Los Angeles County dithers,” he said. “The right to bear arms is among the founding principles of our nation. It can and must be upheld.”
The sheriff’s department responded, citing progress in addressing the backlog.
Spokesperson Nicole Nishida noted that the CCW unit has transitioned from a manual system to an online platform in May 2023, reducing a previous backlog of 10,000 applications to roughly 3,200.
She emphasized that staffing shortages remain an obstacle but additional personnel are planned in coordination with the county.
The department has issued more than 19,000 permits since 2020, including 2,722 in 2025 alone, according to the Associated Press.
Despite these efforts, the DOJ complaint indicates the department still averages 281 days before beginning to process applications, far exceeding California’s 90-day legal requirement.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction mandating prompt processing of all CCW permits in accordance with state law.
TPM notes that this case is unprecedented, as the federal government itself is seeking to enforce Second Amendment rights rather than leaving it to private citizens, advocacy groups or state authorities.
Observers warn that the outcome could establish a national precedent for federal involvement in protecting constitutional gun rights.
As proceedings continue, residents and gun rights advocates are closely watching whether the sheriff’s department will comply with federal directives and expedite the issuance of concealed carry permits.
DOJ officials have pledged ongoing oversight, ensuring that applicants are not left waiting while constitutional protections are ignored.
