WASHINGTON, D.C., August 25, 2025 — U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has directed federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., to cease pursuing felony charges against individuals carrying registered rifles or shotguns, marking a significant shift in the capital’s strict gun enforcement policies. The directive, issued on August 20, aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader crime reduction strategy, which includes federalizing D.C. police and deploying 800 National Guard troops. Pirro emphasized that her office will continue to target violent crimes and firearms trafficking but views felony charges for carrying registered long guns as overly punitive.
The decision follows a 10-day period with no homicides in D.C., a milestone attributed to Trump’s aggressive anti-crime measures. Supporters, including Second Amendment advocates, praise Pirro’s move as a defense of constitutional rights, arguing it empowers law-abiding citizens in a city with historically high crime rates. Critics, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, warn that loosening gun restrictions could reverse recent safety gains, particularly in Black communities disproportionately affected by violence. A 2024 report noted Black residents were 112 times more likely to be murdered than white residents over seven years.
Legal experts question the policy’s impact, as D.C.’s strict gun laws remain in place, and unregistered firearms still face prosecution. The directive may face challenges from local officials seeking to preserve the city’s autonomy. As D.C. navigates this controversial change, Pirro’s decision underscores the tension between gun rights and public safety in the nation’s capital.
