On March 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the initiation of a new “pattern or practice” civil rights investigation, this time focusing on potential violations related to the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
The investigation, detailed in a press release from the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs, marks a significant step in the federal government’s efforts to examine whether particular states or local government entities are engaging in systemic practices that infringe upon the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. This investigation came nearly two months after President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) demanding the DOJ investigate possible Second Amendment violations.
The DOJ cited a case brought by Gun Owners of America (“GOA”) challenging the LASD’s long wait and delays when issuing concealed carry permits. In that case, two members of GOA were delayed 18 months when applying for concealed carry permits. GOA successfully proved that the delays were unconstitutional. Even though the case only involved two individuals, the DOJ believes many other city residents might have had their rights violated.
“As part of a broader review of restrictive firearms-related laws in California and other States, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division today announced an investigation into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to determine whether it is engaging in a pattern or practice of depriving ordinary, law-abiding Californians of their Second Amendment rights,” the press release reads. “A recent federal court decision found that “the law and facts [we]re clearly in … favor” of two private plaintiffs who challenged the lengthy eighteen-month delays that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department had imposed when processing their concealed handgun license applications. And the Civil Rights Division has reason to believe that those two plaintiffs are not the only residents of Los Angeles County experiencing similarly long delays that are unduly burdening, or effectively denying, the Second Amendment rights of the people of Los Angeles.”
The DOJ says it will not end its crusade against those violating the Second Amendment rights with just the LASD. The press release quoted United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas stating, “The Second Amendment is not a second-class right.” Justice Thomas made that statement in the Bruen decision. The DOJ says it will look into other violations across California and then move to other states.
“This Department of Justice will not stand idly by while States and localities infringe on the Second Amendment rights of ordinary, law-abiding Americans,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and under my watch, the Department will actively enforce the Second Amendment just like it actively enforces other fundamental constitutional rights.”
Today, the Department of Justice announced its first investigation (of many, if need be) into whether States and localities—today, Los Angeles County, California—are engaging in a pattern or practice of depriving ordinary, law-abiding Americans of their Second Amendment rights.…
— Chad Mizelle (@ChadMizelle47) March 27, 2025
Other states have had delays in not only processing concealed carry permits but also pistol purchase permits. Recently, a citizen of West Chester, New York, presented AmmoLand News with proof that the city set his interview for his permit for 11 months after he submitted his applications for the firearm. Suppose the DOJ is serious about targeting the states and localities that violate the Second Amendment. In that case, the federal agency might target New York State next after finishing with California.
The state could head off investigations by changing their artificial delays in permitting. Ever since the Bruen decision, some states have installed roadblocks to prevent concealed carry permits from being issued. The DOJ has a real chance of affecting change, but only if there is real substance and penalties behind the DOJ’s investigations.
About John Crump
Mr. Crump is an NRA instructor and a constitutional activist. John has written about firearms, interviewed people from all walks of life, and on the Constitution. John lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and sons, follow him on X at @crumpyss, or at www.crumpy.com.
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