New law
There is a new law on the books to make sure this does not happen again.
Ohio HB 508, introduced by Representative Ron Hood, is designed to criminalize the confiscation of legally owned firearms by law enforcement during a state of emergency. The key phrase in the bill is "legally owned." There is no prohibition in the bill for the confiscation of illegal guns or guns used in the commission of a crime.
Asked about his bill, Hood said, "New Hampshire recently introduced a piece of legislation that every state should seriously consider for the protection of our 2nd and 10th Amendment rights. My bill, like New Hampshire's, would make it a felony for law enforcement officials, including the Feds, to confiscate lawfully owned and lawfully carried firearms from Ohioans during a state of emergency."
It is a shame that such a law is required to protect the civil rights citizens who are only trying to defend their life, family and property. Supporting such a bill is the obligation of anyone concerned with protecting private property and civil rights.
Confiscating legally owned firearms during a state of emergency, when they are needed the most, contradicts the very rule of law that binds American society. Supporters of such an immoral act are not much better than the criminal who waits to prey on the disarmed populace.
Hopefully, lawmakers will pass HB508 as quickly as possible so Ohioans won't be left to fend for themselves in the same manner as residents of the Gulf Coast. Representative Hood should also be commended for taking the first step in defending the rights of law-abiding citizens.