Rumors about a deterioration of society are among those driving the arming of citizens and stockpiling of weapons.
Now, rumors about what the National Guard will be doing when they are deployed to New Orleans is stoking fears and conspiracy theories.
According to the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate, local politicians spent much of today calming fears from concerned residents and business owners.
Talk about possible lock downs and compulsory sheltering in place is driving social media with talk of martial law being imminent.
Even Governor John Bel Edwards got involved telling concerned politicians the National Guard is only being brought in to assist with drive-through coronavirus testing areas and helping to find buildings that can be quickly converted for use as temporary hospitals and quarantine shelters for people awaiting test results.
Edwards even sent a message: “The National Guard has not been deployed to invoke martial law,” said the message. “Shelter in place, as implemented by other municipalities and states, is not a complete lockdown that requires people to not leave their homes.”
Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet told the paper: “There are rumors spreading like wildfire and we have to deal with those hourly.”