A Louisiana National Guard soldier left an M4 rifle in a hotel bathroom on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on the evening of 8/2. The incident occurred while the soldier was using the restroom at the Lafitte hotel, according to US media reports.
A subsequent guest discovered the abandoned rifle, and images of the weapon quickly circulated on social media, garnering thousands of interactions.
Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins, spokesperson for the Louisiana National Guard, confirmed the event. "The weapon has been returned. The soldier's error is being handled internally," Collins stated. The National Guard did not disclose the soldier's identity or any potential disciplinary actions. The duration the rifle remained unattended before its discovery is currently unknown.
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An M4 rifle left in a hotel bathroom in New Orleans, Louisiana. *Photo: Military* |
Losing a weapon is considered one of the most severe infractions for soldiers under US Army regulations. Depending on the specific circumstances, consequences for such an oversight can range from disciplinary measures to a court-martial.
This incident occurred during a deployment of approximately 350 National Guard soldiers to New Orleans, initiated in late 12/2025. Their mission involves patrolling the French Quarter and supporting the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) throughout the Mardi Gras festival season.
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National Guard soldiers on duty during the Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans, Louisiana on 6/2. *Photo: AP* |
The deployment, approved by the administration of President Donald Trump at the request of Governor Jeff Landry, is slated to continue until the end of 2/2026. Since their arrival, armed National Guard soldiers have been visible at intersections, checkpoints on Bourbon Street, and along parade routes.
The enhanced security presence directly responds to a severe attack on 1/1/2025 on Bourbon Street. In that incident, a former US Army veteran intentionally drove a truck into a crowd celebrating New Year's Eve, resulting in 14 fatalities and dozens of injuries.
Thanh Tam (According to Military, Fox8)
