Westbrook Case - Suitability

Holyoke District Court

Court Record

In a case that originated from the town of Holyoke, MA, Mr. Westbrook applied for a License to Carry (LTC) and was denied by Chief David Pratt of the Holyoke Police Department. His denial was due to Westbrook being determined “unsuitable” by the Chief. Mr. Westbrook then sued the Town asserting that the decision to deny him his license based on “suitability” was unconstitutional (Bruen). The judge handling the case at the local District State Court agreed with him and ordered the Town to issue him his LTC.

Of course, the Commonwealth has appealed the decision and it is likely headed to the MA Supreme Judicial Court for appeal. GOAL has decided to fund Mr. Westbrook’s defense moving forward and is proud to be working with Attorney William Smith to ensure this precedent stands for all citizens of the Commonwealth who want to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

If you would like to review some of the court documents related to this case click here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/westbrook-v-pratt-holyoke-district-court-2024/download