The National Rifle Association clapped back at former Fox News host-turned-U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro on Tuesday, following Pirro’s claim on Monday that if “you bring a gun into this district, count on going to jail.”

Pirro was on Fox News on Monday, crowing about the reduction in crime in Washington, D.C. since President Donald Trump’s return to office, and told anchor Martha MacCallum that she would arrest anyone who brings a gun into the district – including legal gun owners.

“And you bring a gun into the district, you mark my words, you’re going to jail,” Pirro insisted, adding:

I don’t care if you have a license in another district, and I don’t care if you are a law-abiding gun owner somewhere else, you bring a gun into this district, count on going to jail, and hope you get the gun back — and that makes all the difference.

Pirro’s remarks drew a quick rebuke from pro-gun conservatives, including a Republican congressman. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) shared a clip of Pirro’s remarks and replied, “I bring a gun into the district every week, @USAttyPirro. I have a license in Florida and DC to carry. And I will continue to carry to protect myself and others. Come and Take it!”

The NRA got into the mix the following morning and wrote on social media, “Now is the time for Congress to pass HR 38, the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Your right to self-defense should not end simply because you crossed a state line or into Washington, D.C.”

The Trump administration angered gun rights advocates in the wake of the deadly ICE shooting of Alex Pretti last week, as well, by claiming he was rightfully killed simply for being armed. Following the shooting of Pretti, Bill Essayli, a top prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, posted to X, “If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you.”

The NRA replied to the post, “This sentiment from the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California is dangerous and wrong. Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.”

A few days later, the group added on X, “The NRA unequivocally believes that all law-abiding citizens have a right to keep and bear arms anywhere they have a legal right to be.”

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet “Newsletter of Newsletters”
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!