A Connecticut-based pro-gun group has sued the Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and Waterbury police departments over the right to carry concealed guns, the group announced.

The Connecticut Citizens Defense League says it filed a federal civil rights action in the United States District Court against the police chiefs of Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and Waterbury to stop their "blatant and ongoing violations of CCDL members’ right to keep and bear arms and other constitutional rights."

The group says it was forced to bring suit after the cities' departments delayed applications for those who applied for state-issued pistol permits.

Connecticut Citizens Defense League, Inc. says it is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization of more than 41,000 members.