[Peach]

Military gunships cannot operate within any city in the United States of America unless the Governor of a state declares Martial Law.

Despite the rumors that martial law has been declared, Secretary Chertoff made it clear that Governor Blanco has not done so.

The military can assist with rescue, but they cannot operate with law enforcement to quell unrest. Unfortunately.

[Solson]

From my understanding, there is no clause or law in the State of Louisiana which calls for Martial Law. It simply does not exist.

So this become a federal issue, who CAN issue Martial Law in a specific area during a national emergency.

I would suspect this is one of the reasons why Congresss needs to be there in 24 hours.

[Graybeard58]

The military can assist with rescue, but they cannot operate with law enforcement to quell unrest

George Wallace thought the U.S. military couldn't intervene in Alabama either. He found out otherwise.