Second Amendment Challenge to NYPD Firearms Licensing Delays
Litigation Brought by Civil Rights Attorney Susan Chana Lask
Court: United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Case: DiSalvo et al. v. City of New York et al., No. 26-cv-274 (E.D.N.Y.)
Filed: January 16, 2026
Nature of Action: Federal civil rights action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983
Relief Sought: Declaratory and prospective injunctive relief
Status: Complaint filed
Note: Court filings and exhibits are posted below.
Civil rights attorney Susan Chana Lask filed a federal civil rights action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
challenging prolonged administrative delays by New York City’s firearms licensing authorities that plaintiffs allege unlawfully burden rights protected by the
Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief based on allegations that the City routinely fails to grant or deny handgun license applications even within the six-month timeframe set out in New York Penal Law § 400.00, resulting in extended waits that plaintiffs allege delay the exercise of Second Amendment rights.
Alleged Constitutional Violations Arising From Licensing Delays
According to the complaint, the delays are systemic rather than individualized and affect ordinary residents as well as former law enforcement officers. The complaint further alleges that the constitutional harm does not end once a license is issued because the City requires additional approvals for firearm purchases and renewals without enforceable deadlines, creating recurring barriers to lawful firearm possession.
This action is part of Susan Chana Lask’s broader federal civil rights litigation practice, described here.
Filed Court Documents and Exhibits
Federal Complaint Filed by Susan Chana Lask Challenging NYPD Firearms Licensing Delays
Exhibit A – Applicant Correspondence to NYPD Regarding Firearms License Delay
Exhibit B – Follow-Up Applicant Emails Seeking Action on Firearms License Application
Exhibit C – Additional Applicant Communications Documenting Licensing Delay
Exhibit D – Final Applicant Request to NYPD for Action on Firearms Licensing
Exhibit E – January 6, 2026 Email From Councilmember Vickie Paladino Confirming Licensing Delays
Exhibit F – NYPD Firearms Licensing Division Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Agency Plan