Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C. have stopped pursuing felony charges against individuals simply for carrying rifles or shotguns in public. The move, spearheaded by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, is a significant shift in firearm enforcement policy and aligns with broader federal crime control strategies.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (3-minute read) — In a significant shift in firearms policy, federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C. will no longer pursue felony charges against individuals solely for possessing rifles or shotguns in public. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed the change, noting that mere possession of long guns, outside of violent or trafficking contexts, will no longer be treated as a felony offense.
The policy was implemented by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro as part of a broader strategy under the Trump administration, which has deployed federal agents to address crime and immigration enforcement in major cities. Pirro defended the decision by emphasizing that criminal responsibility depends on a person’s intent and actions, not simply the type of firearm they carry.
“Criminal culpability is not determined by the instruments people employ but by the intent and conduct of the actor,” Pirro said in a statement. “Crimes are intentional acts and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent by my office regardless of what instruments of criminality are used. My job is to keep this city, its citizens, its businesses, and its visitors safe from harm and I will do that to the fullest extent of the law.”
While individuals carrying long guns without a clear connection to criminal activity will no longer face automatic felony charges, the office clarified that firearms-related crimes involving violence or trafficking, such as selling firearms to prohibited individuals, will still be prosecuted fully.
What This Means for Gun Owners and the Public
This policy change may reflect a shift in how prosecutors balance Second Amendment rights with public safety in high-crime urban environments. It could signal more lenient treatment of open carry in a city known for its historically strict gun laws. However, firearm owners must still comply with D.C.’s broader firearms regulations, including registration, transportation laws, and restricted areas.
From a self-defense standpoint, this move may encourage more lawful gun owners to carry long guns where permitted, but it also places greater emphasis on responsible conduct and awareness of the law. Just because prosecution may not be automatic doesn’t mean there are no consequences, especially if an incident escalates.
Safety Tip: Always understand the firearm laws in your state or jurisdiction before carrying, and remember that even if possession isn’t a felony, mishandling or misuse of a firearm can have serious legal and personal consequences.
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