NRA Targets Post-Katrina Gun Seizures

After New Orleans cops confiscated guns in the wake of Katrina, 13 states have barred officials from seizing firearms in emergencies. NRA types were livid over the post-hurricane gun grab, which they vowed would not be repeated. “You don't go and abuse good citizens because of a concern for their safety," says state Rep. Russell Pearce of Arizona.

The new blanket prohibitions have drawn criticism as well, of course. Some Texans, evoking the bedlam at the Superdome, are pushing for an amendment banning weapons in emergency shelters. "I believe there are unintended consequences to this legislation that could be very destructive in an emergency,” says Missouri state Rep. Beth Low.
(More Hurricane Katrina stories.)