The Department of Justice (DOJ), specifically its Civil Rights Division, has launched a groundbreaking lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, citing significant delays in processing concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit applications and alleging violations of the Second Amendment. This marks the first time the DOJ has filed a suit in defense of gun owners' rights.

The legal action, initiated on Tuesday, stems from an investigation that began on March 27 after the DOJ received multiple complaints about the prolonged wait times faced by applicants. This investigation, a collaborative effort between the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Central District of California, scrutinized close to 8,000 CCW permit applications.

Findings revealed that some applicants have been waiting over two years for their permits to be processed. From January 2024 to March 2025, a mere two permits were issued, highlighting the extent of the backlog. Presently, there are 2,768 pending applications, with some interviews scheduled as far out as November 2026.

The DOJ's complaint references the 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, which underscored that both the Second and Fourteenth Amendments safeguard an individual’s right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California conveyed the gravity of the issue in a recent statement, emphasizing that "the right to bear arms is among the founding principles of our nation. It can and must be upheld."

As of now, the LA County Sheriff’s Department has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The legal community and residents of Los Angeles County are keenly watching how this unprecedented legal challenge will unfold, as it could have significant implications for the processing of concealed carry permits and the enforcement of constitutional rights across the United States.