Feds Investigate LA County Sheriff’s Department Over Alleged Violations of 2nd Amendment Rights
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) over claims that it is infringing on residents’ Second Amendment rights. This follows a 2023 federal lawsuit filed by gun rights activists who accused the department of excessive delays and unfair denials of concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits.
Investigation into “Pattern or Practice” Violations
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division announced on March 27 that it is examining whether LASD has a “pattern or practice of depriving ordinary, law-abiding Californians of their Second Amendment rights.”
The investigation stems from a lawsuit filed by the California Rifle and Pistol Association and other gun rights advocates. The lawsuit names Sheriff Robert Luna, the La Verne Police Department, its police chief, and State Attorney General Robert Bonta as defendants.
One plaintiff reported experiencing 17 months of delays while applying for a CCW permit, while another was denied a permit due to a break-in at his home where three of his handguns were stolen. The complaint argues that these incidents reflect a broader issue of systemic obstruction against lawful gun owners.
LA Sheriff’s Department Responds
LASD maintains that it processes all CCW applications in compliance with state and local laws. However, the department cited staffing shortages, with only 14 employees handling CCW permits. According to LASD, the unit has already approved thousands of permits and is currently managing 4,000 active cases.
A two-year CCW permit in Los Angeles County costs $216, according to the department’s website. The DOJ claims that high fees and long wait times imposed by California cities may unfairly restrict access to permits.
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California’s Gun Laws Under Scrutiny
The DOJ pointed out that California has enacted some of the strictest gun laws in the country, including:
Longer waiting periods for gun purchases.
Mandatory educational materials for firearm buyers.
Expanded gun violence restraining orders, especially against individuals who have made threats, including hate-based threats.
Federal officials argue that these regulations may conflict with recent Supreme Court rulings that reaffirm Second Amendment protections.
Wider Implications for California and Beyond
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and the DOJ indicated that similar investigations, lawsuits, or legal actions could be pursued across California and in other states if officials believe gun rights are being violated.
L.A. County Supervisor Katherine Barger responded to the investigation, stating:
“Public safety and individual rights must be balanced, and I remain committed to supporting law-abiding citizens in Los Angeles County.”
The Sheriff’s Department has not yet issued a formal response to the DOJ’s inquiry.
