Republicans Would Ban Guns In Minutes

The map sets up a 1,000-foot buffer zone around schools across the city, which are designated as gun-free zones. But given previous armed protests in the city, it raises the question why it's only being enforced now.

On August 28, Kenneth Jenkins, a permitted security guard, along with two armed men in Hawaiian shirts known as the Boogooloo Boys, escorted protesters around Lafayette.

"We weren't aware of any type of zone that we couldn't do anything in. The cops were like, 'you're good,' so we're good," said Jenkins, who said his job was "to make sure nobody interferes with [the protesters] as they use their amendment right to protest peacefully, since people are getting threats through social media. It was my job to make sure everything was done safely."

According to the map issued by LPSO, the Boogooloo Boys were in violation and under law could be arrested. They're not alone. Days later, a group known as the Louisiana Cajun Militia was also in the gun-free zone - with guns.

"Cajun Militia, the Boogooloo Boys, we've all been in violation of the zone," Jenkins said. "So what is going on?"

We spoke with officials with the Lafayette Police Department and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, who said the gun-free zone law is clear. The officials declined to be on camera and neither would speak on past events. We also requested an interview with Lafayette Sheriff Mark Garber, who declined our request.

More than 400 armed demonstrators with the NFAC came to the city to protest the death of Trayford Pellerin, a 31-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by police in August.
Leaders of the group said they also decided to go to the southern Louisiana city after seeing a Facebook post allegedly from US Rep. Clay Higgins, who represents the 3rd District. According to CNN affiliate KATC, the September 1 post -- which has since been deleted -- included photos of Black armed demonstrators and warned that if such protesters came to Lafayette he would "drop 10 of you where you stand."
"If you show yourselves aggressively natured and armed in my presence. In my neighborhood. Where I work. Anywhere close enough to put my family or my fellow citizens in danger. That's where your journey will end," the post reportedly said.
CNN's attempts to contact Higgins or his office staff have not been successful.