Pirro’s Office Ends Probation for D.C. Teen Found With AR-Style Rifle

In a recently announced shift in policy, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for Washington, D.C., has ended probation for a local teenager who was caught carrying an AR-style rifle, signaling a broader change in how her office prosecutes certain gun-related offenses. This move is part of a new directive from Pirro’s office that limits felony prosecutions related to the possession of registered shotguns and rifles in the nation’s capital, reflecting evolving interpretations of firearm regulations following Supreme Court rulings.

Changing Policies Reflect Supreme Court Guidance

Pirro’s policy change follows guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Solicitor General’s office, which emphasized that D.C.’s stringent laws restricting the possession of registered long guns without specific permits may conflict with constitutional protections affirmed by recent Supreme Court decisions. Notably, landmark cases such as District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) have strengthened individual rights to possess and carry firearms, including rifles and shotguns, for self-defense outside the home.

Under this revised policy, the U.S. Attorney’s office will no longer pursue felony charges solely based on the possession of registered rifles or shotguns in D.C., except in cases involving violent crimes, individuals with criminal records prohibiting firearm ownership, or illegal possession of large-capacity magazines. The policy does not alter laws concerning handguns, which remain tightly regulated.

Case of the D.C. Teen and Community Reactions

The probation termination of the D.C. teenager—previously caught with an AR-style rifle—illustrates the tangible impact of Pirro’s new guidelines. Advocates for gun rights welcomed the shift as a recognition of constitutional liberties, while some community members expressed concern about potential increases in firearm presence on city streets.

Local law enforcement officials continue to focus on prosecuting crimes involving gun violence and illegal weapons, emphasizing that this policy does not equate to a free pass for firearms connected to criminal activity.

Balancing Public Safety and Constitutional Rights

Pirro, a former judge and television host known for her tough stance on crime, underscored that this change does not hamper the office’s commitment to combating gun violence. “Criminal responsibility is not determined by the tools people employ but by the intent and conduct of the actor,” she stated. Felony prosecutions will persist against those who misuse weapons or endanger the community.

This nuanced approach aims to align local prosecutorial practices with prevailing constitutional interpretations while maintaining rigorous enforcement against violent offenders and unlicensed weapons dealers.

Broader Context: D.C.’s Gun Laws and Enforcement Challenges

Washington, D.C., has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, banning open carry and placing stringent limits on concealed carry permits, especially for rifles and shotguns. Historically, carrying a registered long gun without a special permit could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Pirro’s updated stance also aligns with recent federal efforts to strengthen background checks, target illegal firearms trafficking, and reduce gun violence through community programs. She has committed to seizing illegal weapons and prosecuting gun-related crimes vigorously, declaring support for law-abiding gun owners and ensuring public safety.