Federal prosecutors in the nation's capital will no longer bring felony charges against people for possessing rifles or shotguns in the District of Columbia, according to a new policy adopted by the leader of the nation’s largest US attorney’s office.

That office will continue to pursue charges when someone is accused of using a shotgun or rifle in a violent crime or has a criminal record that makes it illegal to have a firearm. Local authorities in Washington can prosecute people for illegally possessing unregistered rifles and shotguns.

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement that the change is based on guidance from the Justice Department and the Office of Solicitor General and conforms with two Supreme Court decisions on gun rights.

Pirro, a former Fox News host, has been a vocal critic of local officials' crime-fighting efforts since Trump installed her in office in May. Her policy shift, first reported by the Washingoton Post on Monday, August 19, means federal prosecutors will not pursue charges under the DC law that made it illegal to carry rifles or shotguns, except in limited cases involving permit holders.

The change also overlaps with Republican President Donald Trump’s declaration of a crime emergency in the city, flooding the streets of Washington with patrols of hundreds of federal agents and National Guard members. The White House says 76 firearms have been seized since the crackdown started this month.

The new policy also covers large-capacity magazines, but it does not apply to handguns.

"We will continue to seize all illegal and unlicensed firearms, and to vigorously prosecute all crimes connected with them," Pirro said, adding that she and Trump "are committed to prosecuting gun crime."

Le Monde with AP