Federal prosecutors in D.C. were instructed not to seek felony charges against people carrying rifles or shotguns in the city, the U.S. attorney’s office confirmed to NBC News. It marks a dramatic shift from previous policy.
The change by U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro comes as the Trump administration sends hundreds of federal agents into streets to crack down on crime and enforce immigration laws.
“Criminal culpability is not determined by the instruments people employ but by the intent and conduct of the actor,” Pirro said in a statement. “Crimes are intentional acts and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent by my office regardless of what instruments of criminality are used. My job is to keep this city, its citizens, its businesses, and its visitors safe from harm and I will do that to the fullest extent of the law.”
Suspects still will be charged for any violent crimes with long guns, or in firearms trafficking situations, such as the sale of guns to prohibited persons, Pirro’s office said. But just possessing a rifle outside a home or business will not result in charges as it previously did.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
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