LA FREEDOM CAUCUS: OUR CITIZENS HAVE A RIGHT TO DEFEND THEMSELVES ON OUR ROADS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATED: June 12, 2025
CONTACT: info@lafreedomcaucus.org
BATON ROUGE, LA — In response to growing concerns over public safety and road-blocking incidents in violent protests around the country, the Louisiana Freedom Caucus (LAFC) reminds citizens of their right to self-defense under Louisiana law — both civilly and criminally — when faced with imminent danger on public roads. One national organization has several cities in Louisiana targeted for riots June 14th: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Covington, Ruston, Leesville, Monroe, Alexandria, Lake Charles and Lafayette.
Thanks to legislation authored by LAFC member Rep. Jay Gallé, Louisiana law now provides civil immunity to any driver who reasonably believes they or their passengers are in immediate danger from individuals illegally blocking a public roadway, and who uses their vehicle solely to retreat or escape the threat. The protections are clear: you cannot be sued if you’re acting to save your life or the lives of others.
Additionally, existing Louisiana statutes on justifiable use of force support your right to self-defense in such situations. If a criminal charge were brought against a driver, they would be entitled to assert that they acted to prevent serious bodily harm — a defense grounded in Louisiana’s long-standing commitment to the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Key facts:
• R.S. 9:2792.10 shields drivers from civil lawsuits when fleeing unlawful road blockades in self-defense.
• Louisiana criminal law recognizes the right to use force — including with a vehicle — to prevent death or serious injury.
“Louisiana will not tolerate lawlessness nor threats to personal safety,” said Rep. Jay Gallé, Member of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “We passed this law so innocent people would not be punished for seeking safety and self-defense. We all have a fundamental right to protect ourselves and our families, and this piece of legislation protects that right without fear of being sued, and without fear of prosecution.”
“The Louisiana Freedom Caucus will continue to support legislation that upholds the rule of law, protects the innocent, and ensures that no citizen is punished for defending themselves,” said Beryl Amedée, Chairwoman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. “Self-defense is a basic human right.”
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