Los Angeles, California – Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva said this week that he will be expanding the number of approved concealed weapons permits in an effort to curb the increase in violent crime. The county has recently experienced a 95% increase in murder along with increases in rape, assault, auto theft and arsons according to the Washington Examiner.
Villanueva said that we have “less cops on the street, more crooks, less consequences.” Some states operate on a “shall issue” status which means if individuals have a clean background and comply with training requirements, they must be issued a concealed weapon permit.
California is a “may issue” state which means local leaders have the final say on who can obtain a concealed carry weapon.
According to Villanueva, “We’ve increased our capacity to process CCW permits…We made the ‘good cause’ standard achievable, and we’re recognizing that the threat to the residents is increasing, so we’re responding accordingly.”
Villaneuva has issued only 904 permits since assuming office in 2018.