Letter to the Editor: Empowering Citizens to Increase Public Safety

As we face the harsh reality that crime is a serious problem in Louisiana, with three of our cities ranking among the nation’s most dangerous, the need for decisive action has never been more pressing. Governor Jeff Landry, standing firm on law and order, rightly identified crime as a critical issue demanding immediate action.

I’m proud to announce that during our recent special session on crime, we passed Constitutional Carry legislation. This landmark legislation takes effect on July 4th, 2024 – a date that perfectly embodies our commitment to individual liberty and our natural right of self-defense.

The case for constitutional carry in Louisiana is clear: government has no business requiring permits for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Our unwavering commitment to personal freedom and security demanded we realign our laws with the Constitution. We’ve now proudly joined 28 other states, including all our neighboring states, in fully recognizing and protecting this fundamental right.

Constitutional Carry strips away bureaucratic red tape, allowing law-abiding adults to carry a firearm for self-defense without begging for government permission. This isn’t just about guns – it’s about trusting responsible citizens and limiting government overreach into our personal lives.

While this law aims to enhance public safety statewide, it has met with some resistance at the local level. In response, New Orleans officials are attempting to create more gun-free zones, which does not increase safety but instead making them magnets for more crime. Violent criminals are already carrying concealed in gun free zones and looking for their next prey. Our new law simply restores law-abiding citizens’ second amendment rights and gives them a fighting chance to protect their families from being seriously injured or killed by violent criminals.

Studies show that laws supporting citizens’ right to carry are effective in reducing crime. Ohio’s Attorney General released a study which showed six of Ohio’s eight largest cities saw a reduction in violent crime after a similar law was put into place in 2022. New Orleans officials should take note and focus on embracing this new law that empowers their citizens and increases public safety instead of clinging to the status quo, which has failed its citizens.

On July 4th, 2024, we celebrate not only our nation’s independence but also the reaffirmation of our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – rights strengthened by our ability to defend ourselves. No longer will law-abiding Louisianians need to ask government permission to protect what’s rightfully theirs, or live in fear of being the next victim of a violent crime.

This legislation is a bold declaration of our values and unwavering commitment to constitutional freedoms. By embracing these founding principles and emphasizing responsible gun ownership, we forge a path towards a safer, freer, and more prosperous Louisiana. The Louisiana Firearm Safety Awareness Act exemplifies our dedication to education without imposing unnecessary obstacles. The time for half-measures is over. Together, let’s build a stronger Louisiana that embodies both the spirit of liberty our forefathers envisioned and the responsible exercise of our rights. For more information on gun safety, visit LSP.org

Senator Blake Miguez of New Iberia, Louisiana
Judiciary “C” Committee Member
Former World and US National Pistol Champion