National Guard Soldier Leaves Service Rifle in Bourbon Street Bathroom, Guard Confirms
A Louisiana National Guard soldier left his service rifle inside a Bourbon Street bathroom in New Orleans’ French Quarter this weekend, officials confirmed, raising fresh questions about troop safety protocols during high-profile deployments.
The incident unfolded when a soldier patrolling the area reportedly went into a bathroom at the Lafitte Hotel on Bourbon Street and inadvertently left the weapon behind, according to photos shared widely on social media.
Local CBS affiliate WWL and statewide outlets cited a National Guard spokesperson saying the rifle, described in photos as an AR-style service weapon was found propped against a sink and quickly retrieved.
Lt. Col. Noel Collins of the Louisiana National Guard confirmed the weapon was returned to Guard control and said the incident is being handled internally, though no details on disciplinary action have been released.
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The mishap occurred as approximately 350 Louisiana National Guard troops remain stationed in New Orleans, assisting local law enforcement through February, a period of heightened activity and crowds.
“These guardsmen are working many, many hours a day so it’s a mistake, a pity it happened,” a neighborhood task force co-founder told WWL, noting public concern after the photo circulated.
The event comes amid increased security focus in the area following last year’s deadly Bourbon Street attack, underscoring tension between public safety and troop readiness.
Officials have not said how long the weapon was left unattended. The Guard says it will continue its patrol mission without interruption.
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