Gun Groups Upset by Post-Katrina Firearm Confiscations

Gun rights groups are pointing to Hurricane Katrina as the best example since the 1992 Los Angeles riots of the need for civilians to carry firearms. They say that lawlessness and looting could be prevented by responsibly armed citizens.

Washington, D.C. - Scripps Howard Foundation Wire - infoZine - Meanwhile, the gun rights advocates say they are deeply troubled by the decision, made by New Orleans Police Superintendent Edwin Compass, to confiscate civilian firearms during the citywide evacuation earlier this month.

Kelly Hobbs, a National Rifle Association spokeswoman, said the group had reports from New Orleans that police had gone to homes of people who had recently purchased guns to confiscate them.

"It's really irresponsible for the authorities to try to confiscate guns from law-abiding individuals," said Andrew A. Arulanandam, also an NRA spokesman. He said officials should instead be working to locate and disarm criminals.

Peter S. Hamm, a spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which supports laws regulating and limiting gun ownership, criticized the NRA and other gun-rights' groups as trying to use a natural catastrophe for political gain.

He said that Katrina - and its effect of intensifying focus on preparing for manmade and natural disasters - will not cause Americans to warm up to guns. "That has already happened," he said. "9/11 made people think 'I have to defend myself.' "

Hamm said the public viewed gun ownership as largely positive in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks but that perceptions of gun ownership following Katrina were mixed. Stories of guns being used in self defense will balance against tales of "the guys who had guns and were terrorizing people in the convention center" and reports of thieves pilfering guns from pawn shops, Hamm said.

"In sum, it will be a wash," Hamm said.

Surveys show that public support for gun control has eroded over the last 15 years. In 1990, a Gallup poll found that 78 percent of Americans wanted the laws to be more strict. By October 2004, that number was down to 54 percent.

Some retailers, responding to the threat of looting and the needs of local law enforcement officials, have temporarily discontinued selling guns.

Wal-Mart stopped selling firearms at 40 stores in the affected areas and has changed the way it sells guns at other stores by locking them in vaults, said spokeswoman Karen A. Burk.

Burk would not confirm press reports that looters stole Wal-Mart guns immediately after Katrina struck. "We're trying to work with local authorities to do the right things," she said, adding that there is no timeline for resuming gun sales at the 40 stores.

Burk said that firearm security isn't an issue for Wal-Mart. "Firearms are kept behind glass in general," she said. "We keep them safe."

The Gun Owners of America was disappointed with Wal-Mart's decision. "In a time of crisis when people say they most need self protection, Wal-Mart says, 'We're not going to do it,' " said GOA spokesman Erich M. Pratt.

Despite the stolen firearms, Pratt said that gun retailers should not be called on to beef up security. "It's not going to keep firearms out of the bad guys' hands - they're still going to get them," he said.

The GOA, which has video on its Web site of an ABC news story that says soldiers confiscated guns from homeowners, considers Katrina a "critical juncture" in the public debate about gun control. "If nothing happens from these confiscations, that would set a horrible precedent - suspending constitutional rights under a calamity," Pratt said.

New Orleans and Louisiana officials could not be reached for comment.

SAF Investigating New Orleans Gun Seizures; Needs To Hear From You
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
There are 3 comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is calling on members and supporters living in the New Orleans metropolitan area who have had firearms confiscated by police, federal officers or National Guard units to contact SAF headquarters at once."

"Over the past three weeks, since the New Orleans and surrounding area was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, there have been disturbing reports about warrantless searches and seizures of privately-owned firearms."

"'SAF, in cooperation with the National Rifle Association, has investigators on the ground and has retained legal counsel in preparation for possible action,' said SAF founder Alan M. Gottlieb."

"SAF wants to speak directly with individuals who have actually had their firearms confiscated. ..." ...

NRA On The Ground In Louisiana
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
There are 18 comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"As was reported last week, in the wake of unspeakable crimes perpetrated by roving, armed gangs and individuals, authorities in New Orleans seized legal firearms from lawful residents, effectively disarming the very citizenry they are sworn to protect."

"On Monday, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, and NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox slammed New Orleans authorities for this incredible action." ...

"If you have personally had a gun confiscated in Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina hit, please call (888) 414-6333. Be prepared to leave only your name and immediate contact information so we can get back to you. Once again, we are seeking contact information from actual victims of gun confiscation in Louisiana only." ...

TO: All FReepers
Subject: Rewarding those who best support the 2nd Amendment.

I hereby humbly suggest that the FReeper community consider setting up a fund to buy the gun-grabbing Police Chief dinner.

He has made the best case for why the Second Amendment we are likely to see this in years. His egregious violation of the 2nd Amendment guarantee of New Orleans citizens makes him simultaneously the poster person for gun-grabbers.

At the same time, it makes him the poster person for the 2nd Amendment. His illegal and intolerable behavior makes clear to the meanest of intellects exactly why the 2nd Amendment is as timely and essential in this time as it was when the Bill of Rights was originally passed which we will see in years.

The only question remaining is - Burger King or Wendy's? ;-)

"Police Chiefs of big cities are a strategic failure. If I was facing a break down in law and order, the first thing I would do as a police chief is have my small police force recruit every law abiding armed citizen they can find and have one officer command ten armed citizens whenever possible. If NO did that, her remaining 900 police force would swell to 9900 effectives."

I have advocated something similar in case of terrorist attacks/sweeps. Let the sheriff recruit every able-bodied, especially veterans who are still under oath, and be prepared for anything that comes down the pike. We gotta know the good guys from the bad guys when the sun goes down. Communications and manpower is the key.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.