Judge Lets Lawsuit Over Chicago Gun Arrests Proceed

A federal judge ruled that a Black driver's suit alleging Chicago police target Black drivers with firearms can move forward.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Judge Lets Lawsuit Over Chicago Gun Arrests Proceed

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U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall allowed a federal lawsuit by Lucy Washington, a Black driver arrested by Chicago police in December 2023, to proceed on a pattern-and-practice claim against the city. Washington's criminal case was dismissed after courts found her concealed carry license was valid at the time of her arrest.

Why it matters

The ruling allows the lawsuit's Monell claim to advance, which alleges a broader pattern of misconduct by the Chicago Police Department rather than an isolated incident. Several other drivers arrested in similar situations are named in the complaint.

The lawsuit names the city of Chicago and the arresting officers and now proceeds on its Monell pattern-and-practice claim before Judge Virginia Kendall. The city has not responded publicly, and the claims remain unproven.

The players

Lucy Washington

A Black driver whose December 2023 arrest by Chicago police and subsequent federal lawsuit have brought attention to alleged targeting of Black gun owners with valid carry licenses.

Virginia Kendall

A U.S. District Judge who ruled in Washington's favor on the Monell claim, allowing the pattern-and-practice allegations against the city to proceed.

Chicago Police Department

The city's police agency whose officers made the arrest and which is accused in the lawsuit of a broader pattern of misconduct; it declined to comment citing pending litigation.

The details

Officers stopped Washington in December 2023 for failing to use her turn signal and told her a state database showed her concealed carry license was expired. Washington tried to show officers state communication confirming her renewal on her phone before she was arrested.

- December 2023: Washington is arrested during a traffic stop by Chicago police.
- October 2025: CBS News Chicago Investigators first expose the pattern of arrests.
- November 5, 2026: Judge Kendall rules the lawsuit can proceed on the Monell claim.

Legal Context

The ruling follows CBS News Chicago Investigators' October 2025 reporting that first documented the pattern of arrests of Black gun owners with valid licenses. Judge Kendall's decision now places the Monell claim, a standard vehicle for challenging municipal policy, before the court.

Drivers in Chicago who hold concealed carry licenses may face increased scrutiny during routine traffic stops while the lawsuit proceeds. Residents should keep state license renewal confirmations accessible when stopped by police.

The takeaway

Drivers who carry firearms legally should keep proof of current license renewal readily available during traffic stops, since database errors can lead to arrest. The case will test whether a city can be held liable for a pattern of such arrests.