US Justice Department investigates Connecticut towns over firearm permits

The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has launched an investigation into the cities of Middletown and Waterbury, Connecticut. The probe aims to determine if the local police departments are unnecessarily delaying the issuance of firearm permits to residents, potentially violating Second Amendment rights.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated that the right to bear arms for self-defense is a fundamental liberty and not a luxury. The investigation follows concerns that lengthy wait times for concealed carry weapon (CCW) permits may force qualified applicants into years-long appeal processes. This action aligns with the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen ruling, which cautioned against processing delays that effectively deny citizens their right to public carry.