Jeanine Pirro in damage control after backlash over 'no-guns in DC' remark

WASHINGTON, DC: US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro spent Tuesday seeking to contain fallout after remarks about jailing people who bring firearms into Washington sparked sharp backlash from gun rights activists and conservatives. 

Pirro’s remarks, delivered during a Fox News interview touting falling crime rates in the capital, were widely interpreted as a threat to prosecute even law-abiding gun owners.

The interpretation sparked outrage among Second Amendment advocates and put her at odds with Republican messaging under Donald Trump.

'You bring a gun into the district, you’re going to jail'

The controversy began during a Monday interview with Fox News host Martha MacCallum, in which Pirro credited aggressive enforcement for reducing violent crime in Washington.

She said her office had succeeded in “taking guns off the street,” arguing that removing weapons prevented homicides, assaults with deadly weapons, carjackings, and robberies.

“You bring a gun into the district, you mark my words, you’re going to jail,” Pirro said. “I don’t care if you have a license in another district and I don’t care if you are a law-abiding gun owner somewhere else. You bring a gun into this district, count on going to jail- and hope you get the gun back.”

The remarks appeared to signal a blanket enforcement approach, offering no clear distinction between unlawful gun possession under District law and firearms carried legally under permits issued by other jurisdictions. 

Jeanine Pirro accused of betraying the Second Amendment

Reaction from the right was swift and unforgiving. Gun rights groups, conservative commentators and grassroots activists accused Pirro of undermining Republican claims to be the party of the Second Amendment.

Many described her remarks as reckless and inconsistent, with Trump’s repeated assurances that his administration supports lawful gun ownership.

Others warned the rhetoric risked alienating gun owners who travel to Washington and expect clearer guidance on firearm reciprocity.

The backlash quickly spilled onto social media, where Pirro faced sustained criticism from conservatives questioning whether her approach aligned with core Republican principles.

Jeanine Pirro attempts damage control

By Tuesday morning, Pirro sought to clarify her remarks in a post on X, emphasizing that her office is targeting unlawful gun possession rather than responsible gun owners.

“Let me be clear: I am a proud supporter of the Second Amendment,” she wrote. “Washington, D.C. law requires handguns be licensed in the District with the Metropolitan Police Department to be carried into our community. We are focused on individuals who are unlawfully carrying guns and will continue building on that momentum to keep our communities safe.”

The clarification did little to calm critics. Replies and quote posts were dominated by conservatives expressing distrust.

Pirro made a second attempt to stem the criticism later Tuesday, posting a one-minute video addressed directly to gun owners.

“Some people are concerned about something I said yesterday, so I want to be crystal clear,” she said.

In the video, Pirro emphasized her personal ties to gun culture. “I am a proud supporter of the Second Amendment. I have guns myself- long guns, handguns and I’m a proud high-heeled gun owner,” she said.

She argued that responsible gun ownership requires understanding local laws, particularly when traveling.

“Every responsible gun owner that I know makes sure they understand the laws where they are going and whatever registration requirements there might be,” she said.

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