Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against LA Sheriff’s Office

The Justice Department initiated a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office (LASD) and Sheriff Robert Luna, claiming that they have been “systematically” delaying the approval of concealed carry permits for law-abiding citizens.

The DOJ alleges that LASD established a troubling “pattern and practice” of obstruction, making applicants wait months or even years for decisions on their permits. According to the complaint, from January 2024 to March 2025, the Sheriff’s Office received 3,982 new applications for concealed carry permits, but only two had been approved by May 8. At that time, two applications had been denied, while 1,210 were retracted, leaving about 2,768 applications still pending.

An inquiry made by Fox News Digital to the Sheriff’s Office did not elicit an immediate response.

The lawsuit stems from a DOJ investigation that began in March, triggered by numerous complaints about delays the Civil Rights Division described as “inexplicable.” It argues that these delays exceed California’s statutory requirements and violate the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Second Amendment regarding civil rights for compliant citizens.

The department scrutinized over 8,000 applications, including renewals, and found that applicants faced, on average, an additional year’s delay. Some might not be interviewed until the latter half of 2026—more than two years after submission. Notably, California law mandates a response to applications within 90 days.

Attorney General Pam Bondy remarked that the Second Amendment safeguards the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. She stated, “Though Los Angeles County may not agree with this right, the Constitution prohibits them from infringing upon it. This Department of Justice will continue to uphold the Second Amendment.”

The legal action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, following a separate lawsuit by the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) alongside American gun owners. This earlier suit accused Sheriff Luna and LASD of prolonging the application process through excessive delays, fees, and new requirements. A judge has already issued partial injunctions aimed at reducing these wait times and has directed California to establish a permit application process starting in April.

The CRPA expressed support for the DOJ’s legal action. Chuck Michel, CRPA president and general counsel, indicated enthusiasm that the administration acknowledges the issue, saying, “We’re excited that the Trump administration recognizes this abuse.”

Assistant Attorney General Hermet K. Dillon stated, “The Second Amendment is not a second-rate right. This lawsuit is aimed at halting the unacceptable practices in Los Angeles County that delay law-abiding citizens from exercising their right to bear arms.”