The U.S. attorney for Washington said her comments were aimed at unlawful gun possession, not licensed Second Amendment activity.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Jeanine Pirro clarified remarks this week about firearms enforcement in the nation’s capital, saying her office is focused on individuals who violate District of Columbia gun laws, not lawful gun owners exercising their Second Amendment rights.
In a statement posted Feb. 3 on X, Pirro said she supports the Second Amendment but emphasized that Washington law requires handguns to be licensed with the Metropolitan Police Department to be carried within the District. She said prosecutors are targeting unlawful gun possession and intend to continue enforcement efforts aimed at public safety.
The clarification followed comments Pirro made Monday during an appearance on Fox News, where she said individuals who bring firearms into the District would be arrested regardless of whether they are licensed elsewhere. She said at the time that out-of-state permits would not shield gun carriers from arrest in Washington.
Under District of Columbia law, individuals with valid registration may possess firearms within their home, for lawful recreational purposes, inside their place of business, and while transporting firearms in compliance with local and federal regulations. The District allows registration of rifles, shotguns, revolvers and handguns.
Pirro’s initial remarks drew criticism from gun rights advocates, including the National Association for Gun Rights, which said threatening arrests of licensed, law-abiding gun owners underscored what it called deeply flawed gun laws in the District.
Members of Congress also responded publicly. Greg Steube said on X that he carries a firearm into Washington regularly and challenged authorities to confiscate it. Thomas Massie said he is among non-residents who have obtained a District permit.
The comments came amid broader debate over firearms policy within the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has reiterated support for Second Amendment rights, while other officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, have faced criticism for statements restricting firearms at protests. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president supports the gun rights of law-abiding Americans while also backing enforcement of other federal laws.
Responding Tuesday to an X user who cited the constitutional protection that the right to bear arms “shall not be infringed,” Pirro said compliance with existing law is required and added that laws should be changed through the legislative process if voters oppose them.
Original article
Comments