Jeanine Pirro Begins Role as Interim U.S. Attorney with Major Sentencing Announcement

Jeanine Pirro, known for her high-profile career as a legal analyst and television host, officially began her temporary role as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia this week. Wasting no time, Pirro marked her first day in office by revealing the sentencing of two individuals convicted in a high-profile drive-by shooting case near a D.C. elementary school.

On Wednesday evening, the same day she assumed office, Pirro announced that Rasheed Mullins, 27, and Josiah Warfield, 24, were sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison. Both individuals pleaded guilty earlier this year to assault with intent to murder while armed, stemming from an incident that occurred in April 2024. Mullins received a 90-month sentence, while Warfield was sentenced to 100 months. Each will also serve five years under supervised release following their incarceration.

The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, raised public safety concerns across the district, especially given its proximity to a school. Local authorities praised the swift prosecution and sentencing as a message of zero tolerance for violent crimes in the city.

The new U.S. Attorney’s Office also announced on Thursday that a separate indictment had been issued for Te’Vaughn Brown, 20, who is facing a felony assault charge. The incident took place just before a Nationals baseball game in August of last year and involved an elderly victim. Brown’s trial is scheduled to begin on July 14.

Pirro’s appointment to the role drew immediate national attention, both for her legal background and her media presence. A long-time prosecutor and former judge, Pirro built a name for herself in New York State’s legal circles before transitioning into broadcast journalism. Her legal experience, particularly in criminal law, was cited as a key reason for her interim appointment.

A White House official congratulated her on social media, calling her a “qualified and experienced prosecutor who will bring energy to the role.” In a separate message, the President described Pirro as “one of the top district attorneys in the history of New York,” and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the office during her temporary tenure.

Fox News, her previous employer, issued a formal statement shortly after the announcement. “Jeanine Pirro has been a valuable voice on ‘The Five’ and throughout FOX News Media over her 14-year tenure,” a spokesperson said. “We thank her for her many contributions and wish her success in this new chapter.”

Pirro steps into the role following a political deadlock that halted the confirmation of the previous interim nominee, Ed Martin. Senator Thom Tillis was among those who voiced opposition to Martin’s appointment, citing concerns related to past prosecutorial decisions, especially in relation to the events of January 6, 2021.

According to public statements, Tillis had reservations about how certain cases tied to the Capitol breach were handled. While he acknowledged Martin’s legal knowledge, Tillis noted that his concerns about potential overcharging of some defendants were central to his opposition.

“In any other district, I might have supported him,” the senator said in a recent interview. “But this is the district where the events occurred. We need a U.S. Attorney who understands the weight of that responsibility.”

Meanwhile, speculation about Pirro’s replacement on television has begun. A source familiar with internal discussions suggested that Alina Habba, former attorney for President Donald Trump and current interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, is being considered to fill Pirro’s seat on Fox News’ “The Five.” According to reports, Habba is weighing the opportunity to return to media instead of pursuing a full confirmation process for her current legal role.

As Pirro settles into her new responsibilities, legal experts say her approach will be closely observed. Leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. comes with high expectations. The office often handles high-profile federal cases, from violent crime to public corruption, and plays a central role in the legal oversight of the nation’s capital.

While Pirro has been a polarizing figure in media, her legal credentials are well established. Supporters point to her extensive courtroom experience and assertive leadership style as advantages in a city grappling with rising public safety concerns. Critics, however, will be watching closely to see whether her television persona influences her decisions in a courtroom setting.

As the city and the country await further developments, Jeanine Pirro’s tenure is already shaping up to be one of the most watched interim appointments in recent memory.