Actually they aren’t. In fact, DC is shall issue on CCW permits ever since 2014 and Wrenn v. District of Columbia.
They make you jump through some hoops, but in the end, they have to give you a CCW permit:
https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/applying-license-carry-handgun
You don’t have to be a resident to get one either.
DC is shall issue, by Court Order.
Maryland is still "may issue", and they issue very few.
But how can a resident of the District legally acquire a handgun in D.C.? Are there any gun stores?
Thanks for sharing. My son lives in Arlington and would like to carry in DC.