Delays in Los Angeles County’s Gun Permitting Process Prompts Civil Rights Investigation

More probes in other states are likely as U.S. Department of Justice follows Trump’s executive order to review recent gun regulations.

Sheriff's Deputy John Bauer from the Lennox Station in South Central Los Angeles, adds a rifle to a stockpile during a "Gun For Gift Card" exchange event on Dec. 4, 2009. Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is investigating the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for possibly violating the civil rights of residents applying for concealed-carry weapons permits.

According to a March 27 Justice Department statement, at least two people have sued the Sheriff’s Department, saying their permit applications were delayed by up to 18 months.