Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C. will no longer pursue felony charges against individuals carrying registered rifles or shotguns unless those firearms are connected to violent crimes or trafficking. The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who recently assumed the role after a narrow Senate confirmation earlier this month. The directive reflects guidance from the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General and marks a significant change in how D.C. enforces its long-standing firearms restrictions. Historically, D.C. authorities used the prohibition on carrying long guns as a basis for felony prosecutions in high-profile cases. Notable examples include the 2016 Pizzagate incident, in which an armed individual stormed a restaurant with a rifle, and a 2019 case involving a shotgun attack in Northeast D.C. Under the previous framework, simply possessing a registered rifle or shotgun outside the home could result in felony charges. With the new policy, prosecutors will only pursue felony cases if the long gun is tied to a violent act or weapons trafficking. Pirro framed the directive as a constitutional adjustment. She argued that the Districts outright ban on carrying long guns conflicted with recent Supreme Court rulings that emphasized the protection of firearm rights rooted in historical tradition. President Trump and I remain fully committed to prosecuting gun crime, she said in a statement quoted by the Washington Post, but we will do so in ways consistent with the Constitution and the laws of the land. The directive explicitly notes that nothing in the new approach prevents charging felons who possess rifles, shotguns, or high-capacity magazines. Instead, it narrows the circumstances under which otherwise lawful owners can face felony charges. Pirro stressed that criminal liability should hinge on intent and conduct rather than the mere possession of a particular type of firearm. She reiterated her offices commitment to prosecuting intentional acts of violence to the fullest extent of the law. For residents of D.C., the shift creates a complex legal landscape. Open carry remains prohibited, and concealed carry permits are available only for handguns. The District does not issue carry permits for rifles or shotguns. As a result, while carrying a registered long gun is still unlawful, it will no longer be prosecuted as a felony offense in isolation. Violators can still face fines and up to five years of imprisonment, but the absence of a standalone felony charge changes the severity of potential outcomes. The policy change comes amid heightened federal involvement in D.C.s law enforcement operations. President Trumps initiative to federalize aspects of policing in the capital has led to the seizure of dozens of illegal weapons. Pirros directive, however, signals a shift in prosecutorial discretion, focusing resources on violent crime rather than blanket felony charges for possession of registered long guns. The announcement has sparked debate over public safety and constitutional rights. Supporters of the change argue that aligning local enforcement with Supreme Court precedent is overdue and necessary to avoid unconstitutional prosecutions. Critics caution that loosening felony standards for long gun possession could undermine deterrence in a city grappling with high-profile violent crime cases. The practical effect will depend on how prosecutors apply the directive in future cases and whether D.C.s broader restrictions continue to withstand legal challenges.