U.S. Attorney Pirro Says Firearms Brought Into Washington Could Lead to Jail, Regardless of Out-of-State Licenses

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said gun owners who bring firearms into the District of Columbia face arrest under local law, prompting a public response from a Florida congressman.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro warned Monday that individuals who bring firearms into Washington, D.C., risk arrest and incarceration even if they are otherwise law-abiding gun owners and hold valid licenses in other jurisdictions.

Pirro made the remarks during a television appearance while discussing crime trends in the nation’s capital, saying D.C.’s firearms laws are strictly enforced. In comments made on Fox News, Pirro said, “If you bring a gun into the District, you mark my words, you’re going to jail. I don’t care if you have a license in another district and I don’t care if you’re a law-abiding gun owner somewhere else.”

She continued, “You bring a gun into this District count on going to jail and hope you get the gun back.”

A clip of Pirro’s statement circulated widely on social media, including a post shared by a gun-rights account that drew significant attention online.

Pirro’s comments prompted a response from U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a Florida Republican, who said he holds both a Florida concealed carry license and a District of Columbia permit. In a post shared on X, Steube said he would “continue to carry” to protect himself and others.

Steube added in the post, “Come and take it!”

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions surrounding firearms laws in Washington, D.C., which maintains some of the strictest gun regulations in the country. While the District allows concealed carry permits, firearms possession is governed by local statutes that differ significantly from those in many states, and violations can carry criminal penalties.