Washington, D.C. – Jeanine Pirro, the interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, has declared her commitment to prioritizing the fight against antisemitism within her new federal role. This focus was highlighted in a recent report by Jewish Insider, citing journalists Emily Jacobs, Marc Rod, and Josh Kraushaar, indicating a significant emphasis on combating hate crimes and related offenses.
Pirro was appointed by President Donald Trump as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia in May 2025, succeeding Ed Martin. She was officially sworn into the position on May 28, 2025. Her appointment drew attention given her background as a prominent Fox News host, though she also brings extensive legal experience as a former judge and District Attorney in Westchester County, New York.
According to the Jewish Insider report, Pirro's dedication to this issue stems from her prior experience. Upon beginning her tenure as Westchester County District Attorney in 1994, she reportedly discovered a backlog of antisemitism-related cases, which shaped her approach to such offenses. This historical context informs her current commitment to addressing similar challenges in the nation's capital.
In her capacity as U.S. Attorney, Pirro has also engaged with victims of antisemitic violence, including meeting with the parents of Malki Roth, an American teenager murdered in the 2001 Sbarro pizzeria bombing in Jerusalem. This meeting, held in July 2025, focused on the ongoing efforts to extradite the alleged perpetrator from Jordan, underscoring her office's involvement in seeking justice for victims of terror with antisemitic ties.
Pirro's broader agenda as U.S. Attorney includes a strong stance against violent crime and other illegal activities. She has indicated a resolve to ensure justice is honored in the District of Columbia, stating, "No more tolerance of hatred." Her office is tasked with prosecuting federal crimes and representing the U.S. government's interests in the district, making her stated priority on antisemitism a significant directive for federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C.