National Guard Soldier Leaves Rifle in New Orleans Bathroom

The weapon was returned, and the incident is being handled internally, officials say.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Louisiana National Guard soldier left their service rifle inside a Bourbon Street bathroom in New Orleans' French Quarter, where they had been on patrol. The weapon was returned to the Louisiana National Guard, and the soldier and incident are being handled internally, according to a National Guard spokesperson.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about security and public safety, as the National Guard has been deployed to New Orleans to support federal and local law enforcement in the city since just after Christmas, following a terror attack during a New Year's Eve celebration on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people.

The details

The weapon appeared in a photo that surfaced on social media, which showed an AR-15 rifle leaning against a sink. It was taken inside the Lafitte Hotel on Bourbon Street, at the center of the French Quarter, after a guardsman used the bathroom on Sunday night.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday night, February 9, 2026.
  • The National Guard soldiers were deployed to New Orleans by the Trump administration at the end of December 2025 and are expected to remain there through the end of February 2026.

The players

Louisiana National Guard

The state's National Guard unit, which has deployed 350 soldiers to New Orleans to support federal and local law enforcement in the city since just after Christmas 2025.

Lt. Col. Noel Collins

A spokesperson for the Louisiana National Guard who confirmed the incident and stated that the weapon was returned and the soldier and incident are being handled internally.

Bob Simms

A French Quarter resident and co-founder of a neighborhood task force that aims to reduce crime and increase security in the area, who called the incident an unfortunate mistake.

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What they’re saying

“The weapon was returned to the Louisiana National Guard, and the soldier and incident are being handled internally.”

— Lt. Col. Noel Collins, National Guard Spokesperson (WWL)

“These guardsmen are here for an extended period of time and they're working many, many hours a day. So, it's a mistake. It's a pity it happened but mistakes happen.”

— Bob Simms, French Quarter Resident and Co-Founder of Neighborhood Task Force (WWL)

What’s next

The Louisiana National Guard has stated that the incident is being handled internally, but it is unclear if there will be any disciplinary action taken against the soldier who left the rifle unattended.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of strict firearm safety and security protocols, especially when members of the military are deployed to support law enforcement in densely populated urban areas. It raises questions about the overall effectiveness and preparedness of the National Guard deployment in New Orleans.