Yesterday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” freshman Idaho Republican Rep. Raul Labrador mistakenly ascribed the rash of murders in Prince George’s County — nine so far, including two on Saturday alone — to the District. The slip-up came during a conversation on gun control in the wake of the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ).

“Washington, D.C. last week had seven murders, and they have some of the strictest gun laws in the United States,” claimed Labrador. “So, I don’t know that it’s the gun laws that are going to make the difference. It’s the responsibility that each individual has to carry guns safely.”

As of January 7, D.C. had only reported three homicides for the year. Last year, the District tallied 131 killings, the lowest number since 1963.

Given that he’s a freshman legislator and hasn’t likely spent much time in the District yet, we’re willing to forgive Labrador’s geographical mistake. Regardless, he and his staff should bone up on where the District ends and where the surrounding counties begin. Additionally, we suggest Labrador read the Post’s investigative report from late last year tying a gun shop in Forestville to 2,500 crimes in both D.C. and Maryland.

Labrador’s comments do bring up an interesting point. With Giffords’ shooting and the expected sensitivity to security for members of Congress, will Republicans re-think their usual support for the annual attempts to gut the District’s gun laws and prohibit the D.C. Council from ever imposing any new ones?