DANGER AND CHAOS RUN RAMPANT! AUGUST 31, 2005 2:44 PM

Link Here

Media reports are painting a grim, violent picture of the New Orleans area. Authorities have thrown up their hands and given up on trying to stop the looting. Chaos now reigns: The top Homeland Security official in New Orleans said bands of gunmen are roaming through New Orleans, WDSU reports.

Terry Ebbert said looters have been breaking into stores all over town to steal guns. The Times-Picayune newspaper reported the gun section at a new Wal-Mart has been cleaned out. And the thieves are apparently using their new guns, with shots heard through the night.

Guns aren't the only things drawing the thieves. People commandeered a forklift on high ground to lift storm shutters and break the glass of a Rite-Aid pharmacy. A crowd stormed the store, carrying ice, water and food.

Reports have indicated that those in rescue boats are being shot at at times... the rising flood waters and breakdown in authority have created a situation of nightmare proportions. All are urged to STAY AWAY FROM NEW ORLEANS AT ALL COSTS.

MORE

Meanwhile, questions are surfacing in the national media about the state government's ability to deal with what has become a nightmare scenario.

Sources close to the Pelican, who have evacuated the area, have expressed disgust and outrage at the local authorities' apparent failure to deal with the rising tide of looting. Some are convinced that their property will all be gone, even it survives the flood waters.

State officials are also drawing fire. Some have criticized AG Charles Foti's appearance on FOX NEWS last night. Many claim that he understated the level of chaos and looting, which has now reached epic proportions.

A well known radio host said this morning, "When this is over, some people will have a lot to answer for," referring to unnamed elected officials.

Developing...