On October 22, 2026, federal civil rights inquiries opened into Waterbury and Middletown police over alleged carry-permit delays or denials for qualified applicants under Connecticut General Statutes § 29-28. Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski Jr. and Chief Fernando Spagnolo Jr. got letters; Mayor Gene Nocera of Middletown and Chief Erik Costa likewise, and each city has five business days to name a contact. Investigators have not determined a violation and may talk with staff or applicants before seeking agreements or suing under 34 U.S.C. § 12601 if they find reasonable cause.