Justice Department Probes Connecticut Cities on Firearm Permit Delays

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into the cities of Middletown and Waterbury, Connecticut, focusing on potential delays in the issuance of firearm permits by their police departments. This inquiry, announced on October 22, 2026, aims to determine whether these municipalities are unnecessarily delaying the process, thereby infringing on residents' Second Amendment rights.

The investigation centers on the permitting systems of the Middletown and Waterbury police departments. The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, led by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, is spearheading the effort. Dhillon emphasized the constitutional right of all law-abiding Americans to bear arms for self-defense, stating, "This right is not a luxury reserved for a privileged few, but a fundamental liberty for all, including the residents of Middletown and Waterbury, Connecticut."

The Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen plays a significant role in the investigation. The ruling recognized that the right to keep and bear arms applies both inside and outside the home and cautioned against "lengthy wait times in processing license applications" that could effectively "deny ordinary citizens their right to public carry."

According to the Justice Department, there are concerns that the Middletown and Waterbury police departments may be unreasonably denying otherwise qualified applicants a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit. This could force applicants into a potentially years-long appeal process to exercise their right to bear arms.

The investigation is being conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section, which enforces the Second Amendment. The Justice Department encourages individuals who believe their right to keep and bear arms is being infringed to submit an online complaint through their official website.

As the investigation unfolds, the Justice Department will assess whether the actions of the Middletown and Waterbury police departments align with constitutional protections and the Supreme Court's directives. No further details on the timeline or potential outcomes of the investigation have been provided at this time.