Virtual martial law in the Big Easy

[Kadie]

Virtual martial law in the Big Easy
Peter Fimrite, Chronicle Staff Writer

Thursday, September 8, 2005

(09-08) 17:14 PDT New Orleans (SF Chronicle) -- I did not actually count the number of automatic weapons pointed at me, but there were at least five, and I was certain they were all locked and loaded, or whatever that military phrase is signifying that a gun is ready to blow a hole in somebody.

“Step out!” commanded the black-helmeted man in the middle of what appeared to be a tactical formation. He was pointing a laser-like flashlight attached to his machine gun at me.

I must have been quite a sight alone out there on the darkened New Orleans street wearing a headlamp and holding a cell phone at an odd right angle, the only way I could get it to work. I had just been placed on hold.

“I’m a journalist working for The San Francisco Chronicle,” I said quickly, trying to remain calm. “I’m out here because the signal …”

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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/09/08/MNfimrite08.DTL



The Amtrak/Greyhound Terminal in downtown New Orleans has been turned into a jail known as "Greyhound South." The main prison was damaged in the hurricane. Chronicle photo by Michael Macor