With violent crime increasing in major Democratic-run cities across the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is intervening by filing a lawsuit against Los Angeles County for unlawfully preventing residents from protecting themselves.

This lawsuit is the latest development in the escalating conflict between the DOJ under the Trump administration and cities led by Democrats concerning public safety and constitutional rights.

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has filed the lawsuit, alleging that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has been systematically delaying or denying concealed carry weapon permits (CCW) to law-abiding citizens.

Federal officials discovered that, out of over 8,000 applications, only two gained approval, with some applicants having to wait as long as two years just to get an interview. Critics argue that this inaction leaves thousands of Los Angeles residents vulnerable amid rising robberies, assaults, and carjackings in the city.

A gun in a holster on a man at a shooting range.  (Photo by Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Dhillon emphasized that many residents aren’t even applying for permits because they know the wait will stretch for years. 

“The lawsuit addresses only 4,000 people because many are discouraged from applying when they hear from friends about the three-year waiting period,” Dhillon stated.

Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., echoed Dhillon’s concerns.

“California continues to endure some of the highest crime rates nationwide,” Kiley expressed to Fox News Digital. “Every law-abiding citizen should have the opportunity and means to protect themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has erected significant obstacles to that right by imposing excessive delays and waitlists. I urge the LASD to fully cooperate with the Department of Justice to expedite this process.”

Dhillon closed with a firm message to Los Angeles officials — and to citizens nationwide.

“I think an armed citizenry is a safe citizenry. We have seen a lot of violence in our country recently and no one to push back. It is about time that American citizens stepped up and took responsibility for their own defense safely,” she said. “We should be encouraging gun safety, we should be encouraging gun education, we should be encouraging gun ownership in this country.”

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.