Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans law enforcement discuss passing of concealed carry bill

Raeven Poole
·3 min read
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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — City of New Orleans officials voiced their opinions on the recent passing of the senate bill that will allow Louisiana citizens to carry a gun without a permit.

“We have too many guns in New Orleans,” said Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.

Senate Bill 1, approved by the legislature, has left some New Orleans leaders feeling uneasy.

“I do not at all believe this makes our city and people safer. It puts us all in greater danger,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

“Illegal gun enforcement is so critical to ensure we don’t have firearms, illegal firearms in areas that are so incredibly crowded,” said Councilwoman Helena Moreno.

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When Governor Jeff Landry signs it next week, the law will allow people 18-years-old and up to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.

Kirkpatrick said during the parade season, 111 guns were confiscated, and more than half of them would have been given back if the law was already in effect. She believes New Orleans should have been looked at differently.

“This particular bill was not well thought through. It is more of an emotional reaction and not the result of sober critical thinking about the impact,” said Kirkpatrick.

The chief also says the law will hamper their efforts to find and confiscate illegal guns.

“You will see more people who are armed that we cannot check. We will have to train differently and look for more legal standards that would give us the opportunity to do that,” said Kirkpatrick.

City leaders said they’re looking for a solution everyone can live with, and they point to House Bill 498 that’s been filed for the upcoming regular legislative session.

The bill will prevent permit-less concealed carry in crowded areas of New Orleans.

“Puts it under a firearm-free zone. So in public spaces, there would not be firearms allowed. The convention center area, downtown, and the French Quarter. This is just a step toward finding what that solution is,” said Moreno.

Cantrell added there will be more guns on the streets of New Orleans, and people coming into the city with weapons. This would create an even more dangerous environment. They are all hoping the bill can be redrafted.

The bill passed with a 75-28 vote on Wednesday, Feb. 28, after Republican State Representative Mike Johnson, of Pineville, argued that having the bill would give citizens the right to defend themselves.

“People are getting raped, murdered, carjacked, assaulted, and in most cases, those people are defenseless,” said Johnson.

While some believe the bill would eliminate the cost and training to conceal their weapons others believe it will lead to more gun violence.

“Law enforcement, by and large, the ones who I’ve talked to, they’ve not come out against the bill, but it doesn’t appear that they’re for the bill,” said Representative Joe Stagni.

Stagni voted against the bill.

The bill will now make its way to Landry’s desk. If it is signed, the law will take effect on July 4.

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