Jeanine Pirro Faces Backlash Over Gun Comments in DC

U.S. Attorney's remarks about jailing those who bring guns into Washington spark outrage from gun rights groups and lawmakers.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:23pm

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U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, appointed by President Trump, caused a firestorm this week when she declared during a Fox News interview that anyone who brings a gun into Washington, D.C. would be put behind bars. The comment led to swift condemnation from Republican members of Congress and gun rights advocacy groups, who argued that law-abiding Americans should not be threatened with jail for exercising their Second Amendment rights. Amid the backlash, Pirro later sought to clarify her remarks, noting D.C.'s requirement for handguns to be licensed with the Metropolitan Police Department.

Why it matters

This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between gun rights advocates and government officials over firearm regulations, especially in the nation's capital. It also marks a rare instance of pushback from Second Amendment groups against a Republican administration, after similar comments from top Trump officials last month angered these groups.

The details

Pirro, who serves as the top federal prosecutor in D.C., said during a Fox News interview that "I don't care if you have a license in another district, and I don't care if you're a law-abiding gun owner somewhere else, you bring a gun into this district, count on going to jail." This prompted swift condemnation from Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Chip Roy calling for the Attorney General to have a "course correction," and Rep. Greg Steube asserting he carries a gun in D.C. every week. Amid the backlash, Pirro later clarified that she supports the Second Amendment and noted D.C.'s requirement to license handguns with the police department.

  • Pirro made the controversial comments during a Fox News interview on February 3, 2026.
  • On February 4, 2026, Pirro sought to clarify her remarks on Twitter.

The players

Jeanine Pirro

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, appointed by President Trump.

Chip Roy

Republican Congressman from Texas.

Greg Steube

Republican Congressman from Florida.

Ron DeSantis

Republican Governor of Florida.

National Rifle Association

A prominent gun rights advocacy group.

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What they’re saying

“Law-abiding Americans should never be threatened with jail for exercising a constitutional right.”

— Eric Burlison, Republican Congressman from Missouri (Twitter)

“I bring a gun into the district every week. I have a license in Florida and DC to carry. And I will continue to carry to protect myself and others. Come and Take it!”

— Greg Steube, Republican Congressman from Florida (Twitter)

“Second Amendment rights are not extinguished just because an American visits DC.”

— Ron DeSantis (Twitter)

“Your right to self-defense should not end simply because you crossed a state line or into Washington, D.C.”

— National Rifle Association (Twitter)

“Unacceptable and intolerable comments by a sitting US attorney.”

— National Association for Gun Rights (Twitter)

What’s next

The National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, introduced in the House over a year ago, seeks to ease rules around the ability of those with concealed carry licenses to bring firearms into other states, including Washington, D.C. This legislation could be a focus for gun rights advocates in the wake of Pirro's comments.

The takeaway

This controversy underscores the ongoing tensions between gun rights advocates and government officials over firearm regulations, especially in the nation's capital. It also highlights a rare instance of pushback from Second Amendment groups against a Republican administration, signaling the strength of their convictions on this issue.