U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro Defends Threat To Jail Gun Carriers In D.C.
Pirro said on Fox News that people who bring guns into Washington, D.C., 'are going to jail,' prompting criticism from Republican lawmakers and gun-rights groups.
Overview
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a Fox News interview on Monday that anyone who brings a gun into Washington, D.C., 'is going to jail,' prompting immediate backlash from Republican lawmakers and gun rights groups.
Pirro later clarified on X on Tuesday that she supports the Second Amendment and was targeting people 'unlawfully' carrying guns under Washington, D.C. law that requires handgun licensing with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reposted Pirro's clarification on X saying 'this Administration and Department of Justice will fiercely protect Second Amendment rights,' while some GOP members contested her remarks.
Republican Reps. Greg Steube, Thomas Massie and Chip Roy publicly criticized Pirro, with Steube saying he brings a gun to D.C. 'every week' and Massie noting nonresidents can obtain D.C. permits, officials and posts show.
Gun rights groups including the National Rifle Association urged Congress to pass the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, and legal experts said Pirro's comments could prompt DOJ guidance or review, officials and analysts said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a conservative rupture by foregrounding Pirro’s provocative quote and rapid Republican backlash. Editorial choices — loaded terms like "swift" and "fierce," prioritizing GOP social‑media reactions, curating Pirro’s quote then her walk-back, and linking to the Pretti/Trump episode — create a political‑conflict narrative; direct quotes are source content, not framing.
Sources (10)
FAQ
Pirro stated on Fox News that anyone bringing a gun into Washington, D.C., 'is going to jail,' regardless of permits from other jurisdictions.
Pirro clarified on X that she supports the Second Amendment and targets only those 'unlawfully' carrying guns, noting D.C. law requires handgun licensing with the Metropolitan Police Department.
D.C. law requires handguns to be licensed and registered with the Metropolitan Police Department; concealed carry permits from other states are not recognized, and nonresidents must apply for a D.C. permit.
Republican Reps. Greg Steube, Thomas Massie, and Chip Roy criticized her; Steube said he carries a gun to D.C. weekly, and Massie noted nonresidents can obtain D.C. permits. Gun rights groups like the NRA also pushed for concealed carry reciprocity.
In August, Pirro's office instructed prosecutors not to pursue felony charges against individuals carrying registered rifles or shotguns in public, despite D.C.'s general carry prohibitions.
History
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