NEW ORLEANS — As a gun safety course instructor, Isaiah Stewart knows the risks that come with firearms.
“Conceal carry without education is a recipe for disaster,” Stewart said.
That’s why he believes implementing a constitutional carry law in the state could cost lives.
“More guns on the street that don’t know how to use them? That doesn’t stop crime,” Stewart said.
Legislation being considered by Louisiana lawmakers would allow anyone 18 or older who has not been convicted of a felony, to carry a gun, without a permit.
“It’s a potential for chaos without education behind it,” Stewart said. “It’s not safe.”
The author of the bill says it puts everyday residents on an even playing field with criminals, making for a safer Louisiana.
“By allowing for the concealed carrying of a firearm without a permit we're merely offering law-abiding citizens safety to exercise their right of self-defense without a fee or other governmental barrier from a fallen criminal who has no regard for the law."
The president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission believes it will do just the opposite.
“It makes any community and this community, that has that law, more dangerous than it makes it safe,” Rafael Goyeneche said.
He says more guns on the street would make it more difficult for law enforcement officers to do their jobs and urges lawmakers to think long and hard when casting their votes.
“That will be a setback to public safety, and I’d like to think that the legislature will rethink their position,” Goyeneche said.
Louisiana representatives have tried to pass similar bills in the past without success.
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