At a fiery press conference Thursday, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro launched a searing attack on the D.C. City Council, accusing it of enabling a surge in violent crime through “reckless, soft-on-crime policies.” Her remarks came amid updates on the killing of 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, whose June 30 death shocked Washington. Three suspects — including 18-year-old Naqwan Lucas, also accused in another July 4 murder — have been charged.

Pirro, known for her tough rhetoric, blamed the city’s criminal justice reforms for “turning D.C. into a revolving door for offenders.” She argued that leniency toward violent juveniles has emboldened criminals. “When you let violent offenders roam free, you’re telling criminals that D.C. is open for business,” she said. Pirro hinted that her office may pursue federal charges to bypass what she called a “broken” local system. The District has recorded more than 170 homicides in 2025, putting it on pace for its deadliest year in decades. Critics link the trend to reforms that reduced sentences and expanded early-release programs, while council leaders defend the changes as efforts to fix systemic inequities. Council Chair Phil Mendelson rebuked Pirro’s comments as “deeply irresponsible,” accusing her of politicizing tragedy.

Tarpinian-Jachym’s death — described by his colleagues as the loss of a “bright, compassionate” young man — has become a symbol of the city’s broader safety crisis. Pirro cited his case, and that of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley, as evidence that reform has failed. Concluding, Pirro announced a new federal-local task force targeting youth gun violence. “If the D.C. Council doesn’t want to do its job, fine,” she said. “But I’ll do mine — every single day until this city remembers that crime has consequences.”