The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to determine if it is infringing on residents’ Second Amendment rights. The probe, announced Thursday, follows a 2023 lawsuit by gun rights activists, including the California Rifle and Pistol Association, against the LASD, Sheriff Robert Luna, and other officials. The lawsuit claims that excessive delays and fees in processing concealed carry permits violate constitutional rights.
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is examining whether the LASD’s practices constitute a “pattern or practice” of depriving Californians of their Second Amendment rights. The investigation was prompted by allegations that some residents faced delays of over 18 months for permit approvals, which a federal judge previously ruled likely violated the plaintiffs’ rights.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the LASD attributes the delays to staffing shortages, stating that only 14 personnel handle approximately 4,000 active cases in the Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Unit. Despite these challenges, the department claims to have approved 15,000 applications.
The investigation is part of a broader review of restrictive firearms-related laws in California, which the DOJ describes as a “particularly egregious offender” in resisting pro-Second Amendment rulings. The Orange County Register reports that Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to enforcing Second Amendment rights.
If the investigation uncovers systematic delays or intentional hindrances, it could lead to further actions against other jurisdictions in California. The LASD maintains that it respects the Second Amendment and is committed to processing applications in compliance with laws to promote responsible gun ownership.
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