Scalise: NRA, New Orleans to settle suit over Katrina gun seizures

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise made the following comment today regarding the National Rifle Association (NRA) and New Orleans agreement to settle a lawsuit over the seizure of firearms by police officers following Hurricane Katrina.

In the 2006 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature, Scalise passed the law (H.B. 760), backed by the NRA that prohibits the seizure and confiscation of firearms during an emergency or disaster.

“It is long past due that this issue gets resolved. Today's settlement sends a message across the nation that no city can take away our 2nd Amendment right to protect our families. The law is clear that no one has the right to take a firearm from a law-abiding citizen. I will continue fighting to defend our 2nd Amendment rights in Congress, and have co-sponsored several bills that protect these rights.”

Bills in Congress co-sponsored by Congressman Scalise
 
• Co-sponsored legislation that denies the District of Columbia any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms.
• Co-sponsored legislation to restore 2nd Amendment rights for residents in the District of Columbia.
• Co-sponsored the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2007 that authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state to carry a concealed firearm in another state
• Co-sponsored legislation that makes it easier for lawful gun owners and dealers to comply with federal law and regulations, while ensuring that those who break the law are punished accordingly.

Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS -- The National Rifle Association and the city of New Orleans have agreed to settle a lawsuit over the seizure of firearms by police officers in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
A court filing Tuesday says the NRA and Second Amendment Foundation will drop the case if the city follows a plan for returning guns to owners who had them confiscated by police after the 2005 hurricane.
Both sides also are asking a federal judge to sign off on the deal and issue a permanent injunction barring the city from seizing lawfully possessed firearms.
A lawyer for the NRA says the city is storing about 1,200 guns that were seized from their rightful owners. Police have said they only took guns that were stolen or found in abandoned homes.

###

Contact: Luke Bolar
202-226-4309