When I visit DC, I go armed.
I'd never go into those sewers unarmed and I'll take my chances with the law if I ever have to use my weapon.
usually I only drive THROUGH, NYC to go to my hunting camp upstate and I carry through the city, which is only 10 or 15 minutes and I take the chance.
the only time I stop there is to go to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, and they WAND you down going in.
but your right...better to be tried by 12 then to be carried out by 6.