The Texas chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement in response to several shootings across the state over the weekend in Texas. In San Antonio, 11 people were shot, including five fatally in six separate shootings in residential areas, at a soccer field, and at the North Star Mall. Many of the victims in San Antonio were teens and police believe some of the victims of the mall shooting were targeted. Additionally, there was a fatal shooting of a parked car in Dallas where the mother was killed and the father and three kids were wounded. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this is yet another two-week period with three mass shootings in Texas, amongst other reckless acts of gun violence.
“This weekend showcases that, once again, Texas lawmakers’ inaction is fatal,” said Brynn Beecham, a Students Demand Action volunteer with the Texas chapter. “We can barely process the loss that tears apart communities before another tragedy strikes. We should not have to fear for our lives while in the car or shopping with our families – we cannot accept that this is how we must live.”
“This is the devastating reality our lawmakers have created for Texans: deadly mall shootings, weekly mass shootings, and endless cycles of violence,” said Casen Combs, a volunteer with the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action. “This only emphasizes the need to keep fighting for gun safety – we will not rest until lawmakers protect constituents across the state so that every weekend doesn’t end in gunfire.”
These shootings occurred as communities commemorated National Gun Violence Awareness Day through Wear Oranges events across the nation over the weekend. These shootings also come after Texas adjourned the 2023 legislative session where, amidst several mass shootings across the state, Texas lawmakers passed a bill that will arm more teachers and failed to take any meaningful action on life-saving gun safety bills.
In an average year, 3,996 people die by guns in Texas, and 5,556 more are wounded. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Texas. More information on gun violence in Texas is available here.
If you are interested in speaking with a Texas Moms Demand Action or Students Demand volunteer, or a policy expert please reach out to [email protected].
