DOJ Sends Lawsuit Notice

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division sent a notice of suit to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her on Sept. 17, threatening to sue the state and the two cities over firearm purchase waiting periods.

“a right delayed is a right denied. minnesota cannot deny americans the right to purchase commonly owned firearms with weeks-long waiting periods. the civil rights division’s second amendment section will challenge these violations of fundamental rights”

Waiting Periods Violate Rights

Minnesota law prohibits people without a carry permit from purchasing handguns or certain rifles until 30 days after a transferee report is delivered to the purchaser’s local police chief or sheriff.

60-Day Delays Reported

Some residents have faced wait times of up to 60 days due to delays in approvals from police chiefs in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

30-Day Permit Wait

Minnesota’s permit-to-purchase process requires applicants to wait up to 30 days for police to grant the permit regardless of whether the applicant has already passed a criminal background check.

DOJ Demands Action

The DOJ will consider deferring the lawsuit if Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul agree to immediately stop enforcing the statutes, acknowledge their unconstitutionality, and enter a court-enforceable consent decree.

Deadline for Response

State officials must respond by Sept. 23, 2026, on whether they are interested in pre-suit settlement negotiations or face a federal lawsuit.