In Washington, D.C., individuals who own registered rifles and shotguns might not face felony charges for carrying those weapons, amidst concerns regarding whether the district’s strict gun laws are at odds with the Supreme Court’s decisions, as noted by attorney Janine Piro on Tuesday.
This policy change was first reported by the Washington Post after Piro indicated she was advised by the Department of Justice and the Attorney General, finding that certain registered rifle and shotgun owners might be in breach of Second Amendment rights.
Piro stated that the DC Act appears to conflict with the Supreme Court’s rulings, aligning with a memo from the Trump administration.
The Supreme Court had previously overturned a ban on handgun ownership for self-defense in the 2008 District of Columbia v. Heller decision.
Furthermore, in 2022, in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association vs. Bruen, the Court broadened gun rights, confirming that the Constitution safeguards the right to carry firearms publicly for self-defense purposes. The Court also mentioned that gun regulations must align with longstanding historical traditions regarding firearms control.
Piro, known for her strict stances on crime, has claimed that this new direction will influence her capacity to prosecute gun-related offenses, though it won’t hinder her from working to remove illegal firearms from the streets of D.C.
She expressed that the DOJ memo enables legality around the possession of certain firearms, stating, “What it eliminates is the individual fee for possession of a registered rifle or shotgun.”
D.C.’s stringent regulations prohibit open carry and mandate that individuals secure concealed carry permits, which are typically not granted for shotguns or rifles when out in public.
Transporting long guns without proper authorization could lead to substantial fines or imprisonment for up to five years.
When asked for comments regarding the changes, Piro remarked, “The likelihood of crime is determined by the actor’s intentions and actions, not the tools they use.” She added, “Intentional crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, maintaining safety for the city and its people.”
