Louisiana National Guard Soldier Leaves Rifle in New Orleans Hotel Bathroom

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A Louisiana National Guard soldier inadvertently left an M4 rifle in a bathroom at the Lafitte Hotel on Bourbon Street in New Orleans over the weekend. The incident, which quickly circulated on social media, has prompted an internal investigation and retraining for the soldier. The rifle has been recovered, but the loss of a weapon is considered a grave breach of security within the military.

Why it matters

The discovery of a military-grade weapon in a public restroom understandably raised concerns in the community. The incident highlights the serious protocols surrounding firearm security within the military and the challenges of maintaining accountability for military equipment during domestic deployments.

The details

According to a statement from the Louisiana National Guard, the soldier has been temporarily removed from duties and is undergoing 'retraining' while a review of the circumstances is conducted. Details regarding how the weapon was initially left unattended remain undisclosed. The Lafitte Hotel is a popular destination in the French Quarter, and the presence of a military rifle in a public bathroom prompted a response from the New Orleans Police Department.

• The incident occurred over the weekend at the Lafitte Hotel in New Orleans.
• The Louisiana National Guard has had approximately 350 troops deployed in New Orleans since early December under federal Title 32 status in anticipation of New Year's celebrations and other events.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The internal investigation will likely focus on identifying the factors that contributed to the lapse in security and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Louisiana National Guard has not provided a timeline for the completion of the review.