Overview
- In a Feb. 2 Fox News interview, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said anyone who brings a gun into Washington, D.C., should "count on going to jail," regardless of licenses from other states.
- Conservatives and gun-rights groups condemned the remark, with Rep. Greg Steube citing his D.C. carry license, Rep. Thomas Massie noting nonresidents can obtain permits, and the NRA urging passage of national concealed-carry reciprocity.
- Pirro posted clarifications and a short video on Feb. 3, calling herself a proud Second Amendment supporter and stating her focus is on people unlawfully carrying firearms; Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche signaled support for that stance.
- D.C. law requires firearms to be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department, does not recognize out-of-state concealed-carry permits, and allows nonresidents to apply for D.C. permits if they meet requirements.
- The flap unfolds as conservatives feud over gun enforcement following the federal-agent killing of licensed carrier Alex Pretti, and against a legal backdrop that includes Pirro’s prior charging guidance on long guns and a DOJ lawsuit challenging D.C.’s semiautomatic weapon restrictions.