James Joyner has as excellent post in response to Governor Blanco’s order that National Guard troops “shoot to kill” looters and rioters in New Orleans.
I concur with James: this is not the appropriate reaction. Indeed, I would think that simply an increased law enforcement presence will help quell this problem, not to mention the fact that many of the “looters” are looking for food and water. Were I stuck in New Orleans with my wife and three boys, I would no have compunction about breaking into a grocery store and taking food and water under these circumstances (or dry clothes, medication, or whatever else was essential).
Now, are there clearly cases of criminals and thugs taking advantage of this situation? Without question this is true, but turning the city into a “hot fire zone” as James calls it does not seem to be necessary or proper. It will simply make things worse, I would wager.
For one thing, Blanco’s statement reads as if she thinks that the looters in New Orleans can hear her. Note to the Governor–the people in the city aren’t getting any outside information.
Part of the reason an official would make a call like would be to send out a deterrent message, however since there is no communication, it is rather hard to send such messages. If the Guard does start shooting looters, this is likely to lead to escalated violence and will turn parts of New Orleans into a battle zone.
If rescue personnel are already scared to go into the city, this will just make it all worse.
This isn’t smart at all.
Now Were Talking…
Reported over at OutSide The Beltway, the LA govenor has order the military to “Shoot And Kill.”
Louisiana (Reuters) - Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco warned rioters and looters in New Orleans on Thursday that National Guard troops are unde…
Trackback by Politics In Alabama — Friday, September 2, 2024 @ 7:14 am
It is just an aweful situation. I’m sure you’re right, this course of action will only make it worse. Once order begins to breakdown, regaining it can be a difficult and turning the area into a war zone seems like it would be counter productive.
Comment by Jan — Friday, September 2, 2024 @ 8:23 am
I think you and James may be leaping to a couple of conclusions. The governor said that he is authorizing shoot to kill “to end the violence” in the city, not to end the looting. That’s her statement, and it seems right to me. I don’t think anyone expects, and the governor didn’t authorize, shooting all looters. She authorized the shooting of those who are engaging in violence. Rapes. Murders. Armed robberies. Those lawless individuals, even those who are merely shooting at rescue officials for kicks, are costing others their lives by hindering rescue efforts. This isn’t the same as someone who’s stealing a big screen t.v. — that person doesn’t need to be shot. But those engaging in violent acts which are putting others in mortal danger are fair game, and I think this is right. And it’s legal — under the legal defense of “defense of othersm,” which permits killing to save the lives of others.
Comment by Scott Gosnell — Friday, September 2, 2024 @ 9:01 am
Your own comments yesterday wondered about the ability to get things done. A lot of rescue work was halted due to sniper shots being taken at ambulances, helicoptors and the like, requiring those people to pull out. This response is needed to restore order and pull in the help to those who need it.
Comment by whatever — Friday, September 2, 2024 @ 9:15 am
Should Looters be shot
There are no easy answers.
Trackback by The Florida Masochist — Friday, September 2, 2024 @ 10:23 am
Steven, You might want to rely less on ill-informed bloggers than the actual statements of Blanco before you jump to conclusions. As Scott Gosnell alluded to, Blanco clearly indicated that the national Guard troops are being deployed to stop violence–something Mayor Nagin has been calling for since Monday night, by the way.
When Blanco said: “These troops know how to shoot and kill and I expect they will,” she could be making the same statement about any law enforcement agent in the country. MPs, local police, sherriffs, FBI agents, etc… all are trained to “shoot to kill” as part of their regular duties. If there are people engaging in violent and life-threatening activity, law enforcement has a duty to stop it using lethal means as a last resort. This happens all the time in public safety operations throughout the country.
Blanco never said or implied that people engaged in non-violent activity will be “shot dead.”
The forceful words are coming as a result of a week of devasatation and an anemic federal response.
As for your “note” to the governor that “the people in the city aren’t getting any outside information”: this is simply false. WWL and other stations are broadcasting from remote studios in Baton Rouge and people can pick up signals. I listened to their internet feed last night and it was utterly horrifying. There were scores of calls from people expressing frustration at their inability to get out of town and the fact that there was no significant presence of relief supplies and evacuation options.
Comment by ralph Moses — Friday, September 2, 2024 @ 11:37 am
In each of the historical precedents people have been citing declaration of martial law and shooting to kill have been the means by which order has been maintained.
Comment by Dave Schuler — Friday, September 2, 2024 @ 7:37 pm
Scott,
It would seem to me that it goes without saying that law enforcement, or National Guardsmen could shoot those in engaged in violent activities without the governor so ordering or stating.
Ralph,
I read the wire report before I commented, which contain some of Blanco’s comments.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Saturday, September 3, 2024 @ 3:15 pm