Justice Department Challenges Minnesota Firearm-Purchase Laws

The U.S. Justice Department is suing Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul over the state’s firearm-purchase laws.

The lawsuit alleges Minnesota’s permit-to-purchase system and delays of up to 30 days violate the Second Amendment. The complaint says some applicants in Minneapolis and St. Paul have waited nearly 60 days.

Attorney General Keith Ellison is defending the requirements as public-safety and background-check protections.

The federal government is asking the court to permanently block enforcement of the challenged laws. No ruling has been issued.