Attorney General Racine Requests Court Stay Decision on Gun-Carry Permits Pending Appeal

Motion Notes that Lower Court’s Decision Differs from Other Federal Courts

Washington, DC – The Office or the Attorney General (OAG) has requested that U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin stay his decision declaring unconstitutional a key part of the District’s laws that allow individuals to obtain permits for carrying concealed handguns. The stay was requested pending an appeal of Judge Scullin’s May 18 decision striking down the provision of the District’s handgun laws that says those applying for a concealed-carry permit must state a “good reason to fear injury to his or her person or property” or another reason for carrying a pistol.

“The May 18 Order struck the central element of the District’s concealed carrying regime — the requirement that suitable applicants have a ‘good reason’ to carry a deadly weapon in public — as it applies to the plaintiffs,” the motion states. “In its Order, the Court misinterpreted and misapplied the relevant case law and, as shown below, a careful balancing of the interests demonstrates that a stay of the Order, and an immediate administrative stay, should issue so that the District may pursue its appellate rights.”

Please see attachments for more information.