Gun Owners Sue NYPD Over Delays in Firearm Licensing Process

A group of New York City gun owners has filed a federal lawsuit against the NYPD, accusing the Licensing Division of unconstitutional delays in processing firearm permit applications. The plaintiffs argue that the NYPD systematically obstructs approvals, forcing applicants into unnecessary legal battles.

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NEW YORK, NY (4-minute read) — A group of frustrated New York City gun owners has taken legal action against the NYPD, claiming that the city’s firearm licensing process is deliberately slow and unconstitutional. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 1:25-CV-1732), alleges that the NYPD Licensing Division routinely drags its feet on applications, violating the Second Amendment by making legal gun ownership nearly impossible through bureaucratic obstruction.

The nine plaintiffs in the case argue that they have faced extensive delays, with some applicants waiting over a year just for fingerprinting appointments. Others claim their applications are ignored until legal pressure forces the NYPD to act. The lawsuit, led by attorney Mirel Fisch, aims to put an end to what gun rights advocates see as a calculated effort to suppress firearm ownership in the city.

Legal Action Against NYPD’s Alleged Licensing Delays

According to the complaint, New York law requires the NYPD to process firearm applications within six months. However, many applicants report waiting well beyond this deadline. Some common issues cited in the lawsuit include redundant paperwork requirements, long waits to be assigned an investigator, and sudden approvals only after legal action is taken—suggesting that the NYPD seeks to avoid court rulings by resolving cases at the last moment.

Milani et al. v. New York City (Case No. 1:25-CV-1732) by AmmoLand Shooting Sports News

The lawsuit is being supported by E.N.OU.G.H., a grassroots Second Amendment advocacy group that has been raising funds to help cover legal costs. The group argues that New York City’s licensing delays are a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision, which struck down the state’s restrictive “proper cause” requirement for concealed carry permits.

Additionally, the NYPD Licensing Division has previously faced allegations of corruption, with officers caught accepting bribes in exchange for expedited permits. These past incidents only fuel concerns that the system is designed to discourage lawful gun ownership rather than process applications fairly.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to order the NYPD to comply with state law and eliminate unnecessary delays in firearm licensing. If successful, the lawsuit could force the city to overhaul its application process, potentially setting a precedent for gun owners across the state.

Second Amendment advocates encourage more affected applicants to come forward, arguing that legal action is the only way to hold the NYPD accountable.

Safety Tip: If you’re applying for a firearm permit, keep thorough records of all communications with licensing authorities. Having documentation can be crucial if you need to challenge delays or denials in court.