Source: Town Hall
by John R Lott, Jr.
“In 2023, New Orleans had the third highest per capita murder rate in the country according to the FBI. Last week, New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick claimed that the city can lower this rate by creating a ‘firearm-free’ zone encompassing the French Quarter and beyond. Kirkpatrick is particularly concerned about the dangers of Louisiana’s new Constitutional Carry law. But Kirkpatrick’s proposed gun-free zone will create a magnet for criminals to commit crimes in that area. To criminals, gun-free zones make victims easy targets. Police are critical to stopping crime. Academic research shows that policing is probably the most important factor in reducing it. But the police themselves realize that they virtually always arrive at the crime scene after the crime has occurred.” (04/24/24)