Charged with a Crime? The Battle for Your Freedom Has Begun

You’ve just been charged with a crime. From this moment forward, your life is no longer in your hands—it’s in the hands of total strangers. A prosecutor wants to brand you a criminal. A judge will control the battlefield. And if it goes that far, twelve jurors—who don’t know you and never will—will decide your fate.

Guilt or innocence? Right now, it barely matters. You’re in a system where perception can outweigh truth, and where justice depends on strategy, preparation, and how well you play the game.

The most important move you’ll make? Choosing the right lawyer.

Forget flashy media personalities with slick ads and big egos. They’re often chasing headlines, not justice. You want a fighter in your corner—quiet, focused, relentless. Look for someone who lives and breathes criminal law. Someone whose reputation is built in the courtroom, not on social media.

If your lawyer isn’t using a skilled investigator, you’re already at a disadvantage. No matter how good your attorney is, they can’t dig for the truth themselves. If they stumble onto evidence, they become a witness—and you’re left without a defender. A professional investigator can uncover the facts, find witnesses, and expose the cracks in the case against you. Yes, it’s an extra cost—but your future is worth every dime.

Next comes the most underestimated weapon you have: respect.

From this point forward, every move you make is being watched. The judge, the prosecutor, even the bailiff will size you up. You’re not just on trial—you’re on display. Think of it like courting a new relationship: appearance, manners, and attitude matter.

Show up sharp. Groomed, clean-cut, dressed like you’re stepping into a boardroom—not a bar. Business attire, polished shoes, no excuses. There’s nothing casual about a courtroom where your freedom is on the line.

Inside that courtroom, discipline is survival. No eye rolls, no groans, no slouching when a ruling goes against you. Be respectful to everyone—the judge, the bailiff, the clerk, and especially your lawyer. They’re all watching, and it all matters.

If your attorney puts you on the stand—an uncommon and risky move—you’d better be prepared for war. Cross-examination is a pressure cooker. The prosecutor will poke, prod, and provoke you. Don’t take the bait. Stay calm. Stay collected. Your lawyer should drill you beforehand like a Marine boot camp instructor, so you don’t flinch when the heat is on.

When you take the stand, own it. Rise with confidence. Smile. Walk briskly to the witness box like you belong there—because for a few minutes, that courtroom is yours. Speak clearly. Look those jurors in the eye. This is your one chance to be heard. Make it count.

And here’s something most people never understand until it’s too late: Nothing speaks louder to a judge or jury than the presence of respectful, supportive family and friends sitting behind you.

It’s human nature—when people see you’re not alone, not abandoned, and not the menace the state claims you are, it shifts perception. You suddenly look more human, more grounded, and more worthy of mercy or benefit of the doubt. Defendants who show up with visible support almost always fare better—either by winning acquittals or receiving more lenient sentences.

But there’s a catch: they must behave impeccably. No outbursts, no sighs, no dirty looks. Their role is silent strength—well-dressed, calm, respectful presence. That visual can be more powerful than any testimony.

The courtroom is a stage. Your life is the script. Play it right—or risk everything.

Chicago Cops Slammed with Sudden Ban on the Sig/Sauer P320—And the Officers Will Pay thePrice

In a move that’s rocking the rank and file, the Chicago Police Department has abruptly banned the use of the once-trusted Sig/Sauer P320 pistol as an authorized duty weapon. The order came down swiftly, leaving thousands of officers scrambling. The official reason? Alarming reports that the weapon can fire without the trigger being pulled.

For years now the gun-maker has brushed off horror stories about negligent discharges, usually blaming human error. After all, it’s easier to blame the gun than admit to a deadly mistake. Just think back to Alec Baldwin’s tragic shooting on a New Mexico movie set—he insisted he never pulled the trigger, yet a woman lost her life. But experts were quick to point out that the revolver in question simply doesn’t fire on its own.

This, however, isn’t Hollywood.

The Sig Sauer P320 has a documented pattern of discharges—many occurring while holstered. Lawsuits are piling up, and the manufacturer continues to deny fault, but the incidents are too numerous, too consistent, and too dangerous to ignore.

In a city already struggling to staff its police force and control spiraling violence, CPD brass made the call: better to pull the plug than risk another injury or death. The P320 is now officially de-authorized.

But here’s the real gut punch: the officers themselves may be expected to foot the bill for replacing their sidearms. That’s right—these public servants, already asked to put their lives on the line, may now have to reach into their own modest uniform allowance to buy new duty weapons. A quality firearm will run close to $1,000, and that’s just the start. Each will require a fitted, holster—another hefty expense.

This decision, made at the top, may land hardest on young officers, those with families, or anyone already struggling to make ends meet. For them, this isn’t just an administrative change—it’s a financial crisis.

Meanwhile, Sig/Sauer remains knee-deep in litigation, fiercely defending a weapon that also happens to be the U.S. military’s standard issue. But for the boots on the ground in Chicago, the question isn’t about military contracts or legal spin—it’s about safety, survival, and now, personal sacrifice.

This controversy is far from over. And for the officers forced to pay the price—literally—it’s more than just a story. It’s a bitter reality.

Update:  Under the current fraternal order of police labor contract, the City of Chicago is required to cover the cost of a new service weapon if the police department deauthorizes a previously approved firearm. Officers are not financially responsible when the department mandates a change in duty weapons.  However, this is only for officers below the rank of Sergeant.  Calculating the average replacement weapon cost indicates the city will be paying upwards of $1 million to affect this change.  

Austin Metcalf, was it murder, or self-defense?

As a former police officer and a long-time private investigator specializing in use-of-force and self-defense cases, I have witnessed firsthand how quickly these situations escalate. When violent incidents occur, arrests are made, and I am often called to investigate on behalf of the accused and their legal teams. My work is rooted in a staunch belief in the Second Amendment and the fundamental right to self-defense.

Recently, a tragic incident occurred involving Austin Metcalf, a young white student who was fatally stabbed. Metcalf was known as a bright and dedicated student and a member of the football team. The altercation unfolded suddenly in the presence of his twin brother and several other white youths.

Karmelo Anthony, an African-American young man, has admitted to the stabbing, claiming it was an act of self-defense. On the surface, his self-defense claim appears somewhat plausible. A critical question arises: Why would a young black man initiate a conflict with a group of white youths when he would be significantly outnumbered? This scenario challenges conventional logic and warrants careful consideration.

The weight of the number of witnesses against Anthony appears overwhelming. However, it is crucial to assess whether these witnesses might also have been involved as potential aggressors. In my experience, it is not uncommon for group dynamics to complicate the perception of events, and witnesses are not always impartial. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that people may lie under oath more readily than in everyday conversations. The core question remains: Could this have been a case of self-defense? The answer is unequivocally yes – it is possible.

The media has portrayed Austin Metcalf as an exemplary young man, while the police have adhered to their typical protocol: arresting the survivor and designating the deceased as the victim. Ultimately, this matter will be resolved in a courtroom, where emotions, prejudices, and anger will be intensely examined. The trial will inevitably provoke debate over whether the process was fair, as the fundamental question will persist: Was it murder, or was it the result of a group attack on Karmelo Anthony?

It is essential to approach this case with objectivity and refrain from making premature judgments. Karmelo Anthony deserves a fair trial, and achieving that fairness will undoubtedly be challenging given the complex social dynamics and strong public sentiments surrounding the case.

Police Press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:    

Public Information Office    

972.292.6133    

fpdpio@friscotexas.gov

CALL FOR SERVICE #: 25039961

Frisco Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing, Suspect in Custody

FRISCO, TX – The Frisco Police Department is investigating a fatal stabbing, and the suspect is in custody.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Frisco Police and Fire responded to an incident at a track meet in the 6900 block of Stadium Lane.  An altercation between two students resulted in one stabbing the other. Despite lifesaving measures by police and fire personnel, including CPR and the administration of blood, the 16-year-old victim died.  

The suspect, identified as 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony of Frisco, is in custody and there is no further threat to the public.  He has been charged with Murder, a 1st Degree Felony.  No bond has been set at this time.

This is an active and ongoing investigation with resources from FPD’s School Resource Division, Patrol Division, and Criminal Investigations Division devoted to it.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Frisco Police Department’s non-emergency number (972-292-6010) or submit a tip using Tip411 (text FRISCOPD + the tip to 847411).

The Frisco Police Department grieves with all those affected by this devastating loss and extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, students, and staff who are experiencing unimaginable pain. The department is collaborating with the Frisco Independent School District and will continue to provide any support they need during this incredibly difficult time.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Chicago’s Policewomen: Once Seen in Skirts, Now All Gone Without a Trace!

Once upon a time, Chicago had policewomen—real, skirt-wearing, gun-carrying women of the law. They weren’t the hardened patrol types, but they were there when needed. Their duties were almost always centered around dealing with women prisoners, abandoned children, or the offspring of arrested adults. The policewomen were corralled into the Youth Division, dealing with runaways and abused or delinquent kids. And yes, they were protected—zealously so. You wouldn’t catch one out on a midnight beat or in a dangerous situation. They had the same training and powers as their male counterparts and carried guns, but danger? Not on their watch.

Back then, the sight of a policewoman was as rare as a unicorn. In the 1960s and early ’70s, there were just 90 policewomen in a force of 14,000 men. Adding to the confusion were the “matrons”—female officers limited to tending women in lockups, sworn in but barred from carrying firearms. Their stylish uniforms, reminiscent of airline stewardesses, were adorned with the police star and patches, just enough to set them apart.

Gunfights? Almost unheard of. Only two stories stand out: One, a policewoman, Helen Dewitt caught a bullet in the calf while riding in a marked car around 1970, and the other—a legendary case—where one policewoman fired her service revolver at her detective husband. He was so terrified, he quit the department and moved to Las Vegas eventually became a celebrated screenwriter. The department, however, shrugged off the incident without disciplinary action.

It was a cushy gig—safe, secure, and decently paid. With only 90 positions available, job openings were rare, and competition was fierce. The most recent policewoman’s civil service exam saw 7,000 hopefuls vying for 30 positions that would open in the next decade. Naturally, those who made the cut were bright, better educated, and resourceful—intellectually a cut above many of their male colleagues. They were fast typists, sharp writers, and typically had their wits about them.

Then came the lawsuits. Equality was demanded. In the mid-1970s, the grand experiment began—integrating women into field patrols alongside men. Some women proved braver than their male counterparts, while others…not so much. But one thing was clear: their sharp minds often de-escalated situations where testosterone failed.

Soon after, the department gave policewomen the option to ditch their skirts and take on the title of “patrolman” (because “patrolwoman” wasn’t a thing yet). Most jumped at the opportunity, especially since it meant they could climb the ranks to sergeant, lieutenant, and beyond. From that point on, new academy classes were fully integrated, and women competed alongside men. However, as standards dropped to meet diversity and inclusion goals, gone were the intellectually superior, well-educated policewomen of the past.

Federal Judge Prentice Marshall’s ruling on civil service testing threw white males out of contention for appointments or promotions, ushering in a new era. The matron ranks also vanished, as they too were folded into the patrol division—despite never having fired a gun before. Many didn’t even own one! But training soon followed, and the matron role became a thing of the past.

Today, the department is a fully integrated mix of men, women, and now even transgender officers patrolling Chicago’s streets. As for those original policewomen? They faded away, one by one, through retirement and attrition, leaving behind only their stories and a few fleeting memories.

Oh, and in the end, four female Chicago police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty: Dorelle C. Brandon (1984), Irma Ruiz (1988), Ella Grace French (2021), and Areanah M. Preston (2023). But those brave souls were far from the skirted policewomen of old—they were the new breed, forged in the modern, integrated force. The skirts? Long gone.

Personally, I miss seeing some of the prettier Policewomen in those little pencil skirts and high heels.  

Americans have become astonishingly gullible and pathetically ignorant

The left-wing crybabies and their slobbering fake news lackeys are vomiting their deceitful propaganda, sending Wall Street investors into a panic. These shrieking fools have zero understanding of basic economics, yet they act like self-proclaimed experts, cluelessly sabotaging our nation’s progress.

Tariffs aren’t some evil invention—they’re a negotiation tool. The real crisis here is that almost every other nation has been gouging us with outrageous tariffs on American products for decades, while we sat back and let it happen. Year after year, Americans have been paying exorbitant prices for foreign imports because we didn’t have the spine to fight back.

I first saw the absurdity of it when I discovered that European car enthusiasts couldn’t afford the wildly popular, reasonably priced 1965 Ford Mustang. Why? Because those smug European nations slapped massive tariffs on our cars while we welcomed their imports with open arms. Our robust capitalist economy fueled sales of European cars here, but Europe didn’t reciprocate. Fair trade? Not even close.

Tariffs should be a two-way street, but America has let itself be walked on for endless decades. Meanwhile, we whine about drug prices and have been crippled by inflation since being sucker-punched by the Chinese virus. Enough is enough. Donald Trump is absolutely right—we need to flip the script on this one-sided trade imbalance, once and for all.

These new tariffs are just the opening move in a negotiation game. Tariffs can change with the stroke of a pen, and we’re not going to keep being the world’s doormat or the socialist nations’ endless ATM machine. After World War II, we rebuilt Europe and Japan with American tax dollars. Now, those same countries act like we owe them endless favors.

And the worst part? The treacherous left-wing traitors in our own country are desperately fear-mongering, hell-bent on sabotaging every effort Trump makes to restore American strength. Democrat politicians are nothing more than communist vandals using fear-mongering, and hysteria to undermine America.  Their existence as a party is an insult to our nation. It’s time to wake up and fight back against these domestic enemies.

If we allow Donald Trump to do his job, how nice it will be not to have to pay the confiscatory personal income tax.  Of course that will upset every accountant in our nation.  They need to remember that artificial intelligence is going to make them obsolete very soon.  

Big Pharma and Network TV News: A Match Made in Hell

Oh, network TV news. That bastion of truth, justice, and completely unbiased reporting. You know, the one that bombards you with endless stories about how the world is going to hell – right before cutting to a commercial about the latest miracle drug that might just send you there personally.

Yes, nothing screams credibility quite like your favorite talking head delivering doom and gloom, only to be immediately followed by a cheerful ad from Big Pharma. You know the ones – where they promise to fix your life-threatening ailment (or maybe just your slightly annoying rash) while whispering, oh-so-casually, that their wonder drug might also cause heart failure, sudden death, and a desire to howl at the moon.

But wait – it gets better. You can’t just stroll into Walgreens and demand this life-altering elixir. Nope. You’ve got to sweet-talk your doctor into writing a prescription. Fortunately, doctors are more than happy to help since Big Pharma hands out financial incentives like candy at a parade. Who knew curing people could be so lucrative?

Fast forward six months, and surprise! Your miracle cure turns out to be more of a nightmare. Cue the lawyer ads, proudly announcing that if you took this drug, you might be entitled to compensation – because who could have guessed that “may cause death” actually meant may cause death? More ad revenue, more lawsuits, more confusion. A perfect cycle of profit and pain.

But here’s the real kicker: Big Pharma’s obscene spending on TV ads is basically life support for network news. Without these lucrative deals, the so-called news would shrivel up like a forgotten houseplant. Imagine that – the propaganda machine grinding to a halt because their cash cow finally got put out to pasture.

Ah, but the first amendment – it’s a tricky little thing. Apparently, it protects drug ads but not cigarette or booze commercials. Go figure. RFK Jr. has been waving the flag to ban pharmaceutical ads, and honestly? Why not? Anything that makes network news sweat a little is worth the effort.

So, let’s raise a toast (to non-pharma-sponsored beverages) and dream of the day when TV news has to stand on its own – without Big Pharma cashing in on our health crises. Maybe then, they’ll actually report some real news. Or, more likely, just go broke trying. Either way, sounds like a win to me.

UPDATED: NYPD BLUE actress Kim Delaney, Booked for assault with a deadly weapon

Marina del Rey, CA – The tranquil morning air was shattered at approximately 10:15 AM as chaos erupted on the 14000 block of Marquesas Way. Responding to an urgent call, the LA County Sheriff’s Department raced to the scene of a heated domestic altercation involving none other than NYPD Blue actress Kim Delaney, 63, and James Morgan, 54.

Details remain murky, but the aftermath is undeniably dramatic: Delaney now faces the grave charge of felony assault with a deadly weapon, while Morgan has been slapped with a misdemeanor battery charge.

In a twist fit for a Hollywood thriller, the alleged weapon in question wasn’t a gun or a knife – but a motor vehicle, escalating the incident from domestic squabble to potential vehicular mayhem.  Morgan is rumored to be quite the cinematographer, having reportedly filmed Delaney’s epic chase scene with his smartphone.

Delaney was swiftly taken into custody, her freedom revoked, as she awaits her court appearance tomorrow morning at the LA County LAX Superior Court. The showdown is set for 8:30 AM in Department A, where the actress will face the harsh glare of justice.

Speculation swirls around the courthouse as legal experts predict a classic “he said, she said” battle. With both parties charged, it’s unlikely they’ll take the stand against each other. Cooler heads may ultimately prevail, and the saga may simmer down, but not before the story becomes the talk of Tinseltown – complete with scandal, whispered allegations, and more than a little embarrassment for all involved.

My only question now is who will be the lucky lawyer?  

UPDATE:  Oh, what a difference a day makes—just 24 little hours! Cooler heads have indeed prevailed, and in a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood drama, the LA County DA has officially bowed out of the action, citing—wait for it—insufficient evidence! That’s right, neither Delaney nor Morgan will be facing the courtroom spotlight.

But hold onto your popcorn, folks, because while the crime drama may have fizzled, the real show is just beginning. The Marriage Deathwatch has officially kicked off! Will love conquer all, or will this saga have more plot twists than a soap opera marathon? Stay tuned!

Gun Control’s Relentless March Hits a Major Roadblock

Pete shields handgun control inc

The battle over gun control has reached a defining moment, and the tide is turning. Let me start by invoking the uncompromising words of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution:

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Despite the blatant clarity of this statement, countless politicians have tried to twist its meaning to suit their own agendas. They’ve claimed that the term “militia” refers solely to government-sanctioned groups, conveniently ignoring the fact that official militias have always had access to arms. The Founding Fathers intended this right to apply to ordinary citizens – you and your neighbors – as the ultimate safeguard against tyranny. No matter how fervently gun control advocates muddy the waters, the Second Amendment remains an individual right, vital to the preservation of liberty.

The Truth About Gun Control Advocates

Gun control proponents are a motley mix. Some are genuine pacifists who naively believe that surrendering arms will eliminate violence. Others are far more sinister: authoritarian figures from communist regimes, today’s Democrats, and historical fascists like the Nazis, who understand that disarming the populace is essential for absolute control. Let’s be honest – gun control has never been about public safety. Common sense tells us that an armed citizen is a safer citizen. Calling 911 in a life-threatening situation means begging for an armed officer to arrive – nearly always too late. The last thought on a dying victim’s mind should never be, “If only I had a gun.”

The Dark History of Gun Control

Gun control’s roots are steeped in racism and oppression. After the Civil War, the first gun control laws emerged as a tool to keep newly freed African Americans defenseless. The notorious Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) Supreme Court decision epitomized this racist agenda, denying Black Americans the right to armed self-defense by manipulating the permit system.

In 1934, with crime spurred by Prohibition as a pretext, the Federal Firearms Act introduced severe restrictions on heavy weapons – not through outright bans, but crippling taxes designed to make ownership practically impossible. Then came the Gun Control Act of 1968, riding on a wave of political fearmongering. It criminalized purchasing firearms out of state, selling without a dealer’s license, and ordering guns by mail. Predictably, crime rates continued to climb.

A Campaign of Incremental Disarmament

Since the 1960’s anti-gun activists have waged a relentless campaign to strip Americans of their right to self-defense. First, it was handguns. Then came attacks on small, affordable firearms labeled as “Saturday Night Specials.” Next, they vilified large handguns as “pocket rockets.” The assault didn’t stop there – they targeted black, semi-automatic rifles by falsely labeling them “assault rifles,” even though true military assault rifles are fully automatic. Desperate to vilify anything related to self-defense, they even pushed to outlaw non-lethal devices like pepper spray and stun guns.

The strategy of the gun control lobby was as insidious as it was calculated: rebrand, rename, and disguise their agenda under constantly shifting organizational titles, from the National Council to Control Handguns to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. All to create the illusion of a broad, unified push to dismantle the Second Amendment.

The Turning of the Tide

But now, the tide is finally turning. The Supreme Court has affirmed that the Second Amendment means precisely what it says. An attorney general committed to justice has begun investigating those who violate this fundamental right – including government officials. For far too long, gun control advocates have pushed their agenda unopposed. Now, they face the harsh reality: Americans will not be disarmed. The right to keep and bear arms stands firm, unyielding, and unbreakable.

The Attorney General of the United States, Pam Bondi Put California on Notice: The Second Amendment is The law of The Land!

In a bold move that’s sending shockwaves through gun-restrictive states like California, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has formally notified the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: stop violating citizens’ Second Amendment rights.

This communication signals a major shift in federal enforcement priorities. For too long, blue states have enacted and enforced laws that trample on the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. But Bondi isn’t just making noise—she has serious tools at her disposal. Chief among them is the power to initiate federal criminal charges against local and state officials who arrest or prosecute Americans for lawfully carrying firearms for self-defense. These kinds of actions can be prosecuted as civil rights violations under federal law.  

18 U.S. Code § 242  provides that, Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or to different punishments, pains, or penalties, on account of such person being an alien, or by reason of his color, or race, than are prescribed for the punishment of citizens, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death."

Previous attorneys general have looked the other way, hiding behind “prosecutorial discretion” and choosing not to intervene. But those days are over. The tide is turning.

And this isn’t just a political opinion—it’s the law of the land. The United States Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed the individual right to bear arms, and has made clear that this right is not limited to federal jurisdictions.

In District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008), the Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess a firearm for lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.

In McDonald v. City of Chicago, 561 U.S. 742 (2010), the Court extended that protection to state and local governments, confirming that the Second Amendment is fully applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Most recently, in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, 597 U.S. ___ (2022), the Court struck down New York’s restrictive “may-issue” concealed carry law, making it clear that the right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense is also protected.

These landmark rulings leave little room for interpretation. Yet some states continue to enforce unconstitutional laws in direct defiance of Supreme Court precedent.

Attorney General Bondi’s action is a wake-up call: violating the Second Amendment is no longer a risk-free endeavor for local officials. Those who continue to arrest or prosecute law-abiding gun owners may soon find themselves facing federal civil rights charges.

The message is clear—America’s constitutional rights are not optional, and they are not confined to one region. The Second Amendment applies nationwide, and those who ignore it may soon face federal felony charges.

Here is the press release:

U.S. Department of Justice Announces Second Amendment Pattern-or-Practice Investigation into California’s Los Angeles County

Thursday, March 27, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Protecting the Second Amendment rights of ordinary, law-abiding Americans is a high priority for this Administration.

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. 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 Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that the Second Amendment is not “a second-class right.” And over the past two decades, the Supreme Court has recognized that the Second Amendment is a fundamental, individual constitutional right and has taken multiple opportunities to strengthen Second Amendment protections for ordinary, law-abiding citizens.

Some States and localities, however, have resisted this recent pro-Second Amendment caselaw. And California has been a particularly egregious offender. In response to recent Supreme Court caselaw, California enacted new legislation to further restrict the ability of ordinary, law-abiding Californians to keep and bear arms. And many California localities appear to be imposing additional burdens beyond those required by California state law, including by subjecting ordinary, law-abiding Californians to expensive fees and lengthy wait times associated with applications for concealed handgun licenses.

“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.”

Attorney General Bondi hopes that states and localities will voluntarily embrace their duty to protect the Second Amendment rights of their citizens. But if necessary, today’s announcement will be the first of many similar investigations, lawsuits, or other actions involving other localities in California, the State of California itself, and any other states or localities that insist on unduly burdening, or effectively denying, the Second Amendment rights of their ordinary, law-abiding citizens.