Jeanine Pirro Takes Swift Action as Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., Announces Major Conviction and Sentences
Jeanine Pirro, newly appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, has quickly made her presence known with several high-profile announcements in her first week on the job. Sworn in by President Donald Trump during a ceremony last week, Pirro promised a firm stance against crime and has already followed through with action.
Speaking at her swearing-in, Pirro declared, “My voice should be heard loud and clear. No more tolerance of hatred. No more mercy for criminals.”
This statement set the tone for what followed: a series of legal developments that underscore her commitment to public safety.
Pirro’s office announced that Taylor Taranto, 39, of Pasco, Washington, was convicted on multiple charges after making threats via livestream and illegally carrying weapons. A federal judge found Taranto guilty of unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition, as well as spreading false information about a bomb threat.
In June 2023, Taranto broadcast a video while driving near National Harbor, Maryland, claiming to be preparing a bomb. He mentioned targeting the National Institute of Standards and Technology and drove through multiple areas in the Washington, D.C. region, including Kalorama. Authorities responded quickly, tracking him down and arresting him without incident. A search of his van revealed two firearms, ammunition magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. No actual explosives were found, but the threat was taken seriously by law enforcement, including the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
In another case, Pirro revealed the sentencing of two men involved in a drive-by shooting near a D.C. elementary school. Rasheed Mullins, 27, and Josiah Warfield, 24, were sentenced to 90 months and 100 months in federal prison, respectively. Both were also ordered to serve five years of supervised release. The shooting occurred in broad daylight in April 2024, sparking concern from the community. Both defendants had pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of assault with intent to murder while armed.
These swift actions reflect ongoing efforts to improve safety in the nation’s capital. According to recent figures from the Metropolitan Police Department, D.C. has seen a decrease in major crimes in 2025, with robberies down 24%, homicides down 17%, and assaults involving dangerous weapons down 14%.
Pirro’s appointment may also mark a shift in her public role. Previously known for her legal commentary on television, a report from The Daily Mail suggests that Alina Habba, a former attorney for Donald Trump and current U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, is being considered to replace Pirro as a host on Fox News’ The Five. Habba is reportedly open to the media role, which could allow her to bypass a full Senate confirmation process if she chooses not to remain in public service.
As Pirro begins her tenure, it’s clear she plans to make an impact—setting a firm tone for her office and signaling continued focus on law enforcement and public safety in the District of Columbia.
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