U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced a major shift in federal prosecution policy in Washington, D.C., stating that her office will no longer pursue felony charges for possession of rifles or shotguns unless those weapons are used in violent crimes or the individual is legally prohibited from owning firearms. The move aligns with recent Supreme Court rulings that have expanded gun rights under the Second Amendment.

Pirro cited the landmark 2008 District of Columbia v. Heller decision, which struck down a D.C. handgun ban, as well as the 2022 ruling that overturned New York’s strict concealed carry law. “A blanket ban on possessing shotguns and rifles cannot stand under the Supreme Court’s guidance,” she said. She emphasized that while her office will respect constitutional rights, it will continue prosecuting crimes involving firearms.

The revised policy does not affect cases involving handguns or large-capacity magazines, which may still be prosecuted by local D.C. authorities. The change comes as part of a wider federal crackdown on crime in the capital, initiated by President Trump. That operation has led to the deployment of National Guard troops and federal agents and resulted in the seizure of 76 firearms so far.

Separately, Pirro announced the arrest of Nathalie Rose Jones, a 50-year-old woman from Indiana, who allegedly made online threats against President Trump and traveled to Washington, D.C. She has been charged with making threats to the President and transmitting interstate threats.

Pirro vowed that such threats would be met with “swift and unwavering prosecution,” and she thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement for their coordination and dedication.