Police investigating David Gregory for displaying illegal gun magazine on-air

The Washington Metropolitan Police Department is investigating “Meet the Press” host David Gregory for a potential violation of the District of Columbia’s gun laws, a spokesman for the department confirmed to The Hill.

While interviewing National Rifle Association (NRA) CEO Wayne LaPierre on Sunday, Gregory held up what appeared to be a 30-round magazine to ask if it should be banned. The high-capacity magazine is illegal in Washington, D.C., where “Meet the Press” is filmed.

{mosads}Gregory’s interview with LaPierre came in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Dec. 14. The incident which left 26 dead, including 20 children has sparked new calls for gun control 

President Obama is urging lawmakers to pass bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The NRA, the nation’s largest gun lobby, is resisting that push, instead arguing that further restrictions on firearms will not make the public safer.

A petition to arrest Gregory for possession of the high-capacity rifle magazine had nearly 6,000 signatures on Tuesday, needing another 19,000 by Jan. 22 to provoke an official White House response.

This story was last updated on Dec. 26 at 10:20 a.m.