Jeanine Pirro was recently sworn in as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, vowing to tackle crime in Washington, D.C. Since taking office, her office has announced several significant criminal cases, including the conviction of a mother for felony murder of her toddler, arrests related to homicide and kidnapping, and a felon sentenced for illegal firearm possession. A notable case involved Taylor Taranto, a Washington state man convicted of illegally carrying guns, possessing ammunition, and spreading false information after livestreaming a fake bomb threat near National Harbor and in D.C.’s Kalorama neighborhood. Taranto’s actions triggered a swift response from the FBI and local police, leading to his arrest and the seizure of firearms and ammunition from his vehicle. Additionally, Pirro’s office publicized the sentencing of two men involved in an April 2024 drive-by shooting near an elementary school, both receiving over seven years in federal prison.
Pirro’s appointment comes amid efforts to curb crime in the nation’s capital, with recent Metropolitan Police data showing declines in robberies, killings, and assaults with weapons. President Trump has emphasized restoring security in D.C., pledging zero tolerance for crime. Pirro’s interim term lasts 120 days, after which the president must nominate a permanent U.S. Attorney for Senate approval, or the district court may select a replacement. The White House has yet to confirm whether it will seek Senate approval for Pirro’s permanent appointment. Pirro’s aggressive stance and early actions signal a renewed focus on law enforcement in a city grappling with public safety challenges.
