DOJ Sues LA County Sheriff Over Concealed Carry Permit Delays

The U.S. Department of Justice filed suit Tuesday against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, alleging the department has unreasonably delayed processing applications for concealed carry permits and thereby violated California residents’ constitutional right to bear arms outside the home. The complaint, filed in federal court in Los Angeles by the DOJ Civil Rights Division, seeks a permanent injunction requiring the sheriff’s department to issue permits in a timely manner consistent with state law.

The DOJ said its review of more than 8,000 permit applications showed only two approvals and that applicants typically wait months before processing begins. The complaint alleges the sheriff’s department waits an average of 281 days to start processing applications, exceeding a California law that requires an initial determination within 90 days. The complaint also says the department scheduled interviews to consider approvals as far as two years after receiving completed applications.

“We remain committed to addressing all applications fairly, promptly, and with a balanced approach,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in response, disputing the lawsuit’s...