In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans residents were forced to hand over their firearms to authorities. The Second Amendment Foundation announced Friday that the city will begin returning seized firearms to residents this week. Residents whose guns were taken should call the New Orleans Police at 504-658-5503 or go in person to the Police Property and Evidence facility, at 400 North Jefferson Davis Parkway. Gun owners will have to provide proof of ownership, which could include a bill of sale, a description of the firearm including brand and model and the serial number or a notarized affidavit that describes the firearm. Citizens claiming their firearms will need proper identification, such as a drivers license. Before firearms are returned, New Orleans police will conduct a background check. Meanwhile, Wayne LaPierre, NRA executive vice president, and Chris Cox, executive director of the NRAs Institute for Legislative Action, will be holding a Town Hall-type of meeting at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m., to discuss firearms confiscation in the Katrina aftermath. NRA news footage showing abuses to Second Amendment rights will premier. The occurrences in New Orleans have raised an awareness that has led to proposed legislation in states and on the federal level to help prevent illegal firearm confiscations in the future.
