Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have announced a significant shift in their approach to gun possession cases, following guidance from the Justice Department and the Office of Solicitor General.
The change in policy is expected to affect how law enforcement handles firearms-related charges involving rifles and shotguns. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro clarified that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will no longer seek felony charges for the simple possession of these weapons unless the individual is involved in violent crime or possesses a criminal record that restricts firearm ownership. This shift is in line with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent rulings that have expanded the interpretation of Second Amendment protections for gun owners.
The new policy does not apply to handguns, which remain subject to separate legal restrictions. However, it does recognize that large-capacity magazines may still be subject to prosecution. Local authorities, including D.C. officials, retain the ability to charge individuals for the illegal possession of unregistered firearms, indicating a division of responsibility between federal and local jurisdictions.
President Donald Trump has been at the forefront of efforts to increase the presence of federal law enforcement in D.C., following a significant rise in violent crime, particularly in areas with high-profile incidents. The federal takeover has seen the deployment of hundreds of federal agents and members of the National Guard to the streets of the capital, a move that has been accompanied by increased seizures of illegal firearms. The White House reported that 76 firearms have been seized since the federal authorities took control of the city in early 2024.
Pirro has consistently criticized local officials for their methods of addressing crime in the nation’s capital since she was appointed as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia in May. Her appointment, which was made by Trump, underscores the administration’s push to control crime through law enforcement measures. Pirro has repeatedly emphasized her commitment to enforcing federal gun laws and reducing the availability of illegal firearms, aligning with the administration’s broader objectives.
The shift in policy has led to speculation about its broader implications for gun ownership and gun control legislation at the federal level. Legal experts have pointed out that the change reflects a delicate balancing act between upholding the rights of gun owners and addressing public concerns related to gun violence. As federal and local authorities continue to navigate the complexities of gun regulation, the impact of this policy may be widely felt across the nation.