DOJ Sues LA County Sheriff’s Office Over Concealed Carry Applications

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Tuesday that it has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office (LACSD). The accusation is that the office is purposefully delaying the processing of concealed carry applications for residents.

The lawsuit has been submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, with LACSD and Sheriff Robert Luna identified as defendants. The DOJ claims that the department has “systematically denied law-abiding Californians of thousands of their basic Second Amendment rights, pertaining to carrying weapons outside the home.”

As per state law, those in California are required to obtain a license for carrying concealed weapons in public. Residents of Los Angeles County need to apply through the LACSD, which entails submitting proof of residence and having completed a firearm safety training course.

However, the DOJ’s claims argue that between January 2024 and March 2025, only two of the 3,982 concealed carry applications were approved. Applicants indicate they wait over nine months on average for their applications to be processed, although state law mandates an initial decision within 90 days.

“These figures aren’t just numbers. They reflect thousands of law-abiding citizens who have been deprived of their constitutional rights to defend themselves outside their homes,” the lawsuit states.

Attorney General Pam Bondy emphasized, “The Second Amendment protects the fundamental rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms.” She noted, “Although Los Angeles County may not appreciate this right, the constitution does not permit them to infringe upon it.”

In response, LACSD has countered the DOJ’s allegations. The department claims it has issued over 5,000 concealed carry permits, including 2,722 for new applications.

LACSD stated that during the investigation, the DOJ requested data while the department transitioned from a paper-based tracking system to a digital one. This new system was put into operation in May 2023, and the older system will gradually be phased out.

The department also pointed out a surge in applications after June 2022, following a Supreme Court decision regarding the “proper cause” requirements for concealed carry licenses in New York which was deemed to violate the 14th Amendment.

Post-decision, LACSD ceased enforcing its own appropriate cause requirements for applications. Sheriff Luna mentioned that he “inherited a dysfunctional system,” but has managed to cut down the application backlog from around 10,000 to approximately 3,200.

“We remain dedicated to processing all applications efficiently and equitably,” LACSD concluded. “We aim for an unbiased review, ensuring no patterns or practices exist that deprive individuals of their Second Amendment rights.”

Efforts to get comments from California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the lawsuit were also made.