Photo: Emily Fennick / EyeEm / EyeEm / Getty Images
FLORIDA - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed national attention surrounding comments made by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, after she said individuals who bring firearms into Washington DC should expect to go to jail.
DeSantis responded during a public appearance when asked about Pirro’s remarks, saying her statement was overly broad and risked misleading lawful gun owners.
He emphasized that Americans who legally possess firearms and follow applicable laws should not be treated as criminals simply for exercising their constitutional rights.
Ryan Gorman and Dana McKay cover this story and more on The Ryan Gorman Show:
Pirro’s comments were made during a televised interview in which she discussed enforcement of gun laws in the nation’s capital.
She said people bringing guns into DC should count on going to jail, referencing the city’s strict firearm regulations.
Washington DC requires firearms to be registered locally and mandates concealed carry permits for both residents and nonresidents.
Transporting a firearm into the city without meeting those requirements can lead to arrest and prosecution.
DeSantis noted that while states and cities can enforce their own laws, public officials should be precise when discussing enforcement to avoid confusion.
He said lawful gun owners who comply with regulations should not be lumped together with individuals allegedly carrying firearms illegally.
Following backlash, Pirro clarified that she supports the Second Amendment and was referring to people allegedly bringing guns into DC in violation of local law, not individuals who have obtained the proper permits.
DeSantis’ response added to the broader national conversation over gun policy, enforcement, and constitutional rights, particularly as debates continue over how local firearm laws intersect with state issued permits and federal protections.