On Tuesday, the Justice Department initiated a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and Sheriff Robert Luna, alleging “systematic” delays in processing concealed carry permits for law-abiding citizens, thereby violating the Second Amendment.

This lawsuit, highlighted by the DOJ as its inaugural affirmative action in support of gun owners, claims that the LASD established a “pattern and practice” of obstruction, causing law-abiding citizens to wait months or even years for a decision. 

According to the DOJ’s complaint, between January 2024 and March 2025, the sheriff’s office received 3,982 new applications for concealed carry permits, approving only two by May 8. As of that date, two applications were denied, 1,210 “were withdrawn for various reasons,” and “approximately 2,768 applications for a new license to carry a concealed firearm remained pending.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment, but they did not immediately respond.

“The Second Amendment safeguards the fundamental constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Los Angeles County may not favor that right, but the Constitution does not permit them to infringe upon it. This Department of Justice will continue advocating for the Second Amendment.”

This lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, follows another case brought by gun advocacy groups, including the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA), Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners of California, and the Second Amendment Foundation. 

That separate lawsuit accused Luna and LASD of prolonging concealed carry application processes through extensive delays, added fees, and new requirements. A judge has already issued a partial injunction, mandating LASD to reduce wait times and requiring California to establish a process for non-residents to apply for permits starting in April.

The California Rifle & Pistol Association welcomed news of the DOJ lawsuit. 

A photo of various handguns on display. (iStock)

“CRPA and our allies blazed a trail over the past three years, going county-by-county across California to ensure Bruen-compliant CCW (concealed carry weapon) processes,” Chuck Michel, CRPA’s president and general counsel said. “Stubborn jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles, dug in their heels with delays, fees and new requirements to keep lawful citizens from securing CCW’s. We are thrilled that the Trump Administration finds this abuse as egregious as we do.”

“The Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit seeks to stop Los Angeles County’s egregious pattern and practice of delaying law-abiding citizens from exercising their right to bear arms.”