Gunman Opened Fire on Multiple City Buildings and Police Headquarters
In response to the reports this morning in Austin, Texas, that a gunman opened fire at four different buildings, including Austin Police Department headquarters, the Mexican Consulate, the Federal Courthouse and a downtown bank early Friday morning, the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America released the statement below.
While details are still unfolding, it has been reported that the gunman had a criminal history and was spotted carrying a “large gun in his hand.” Texas law—and the laws in a majority of states—allows people to openly carry loaded rifles in public with absolutely no training, permitting, or background check.
Statement From Claire Elizabeth, Volunteer with the Texas Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
“We are thankful to law enforcement and community leaders like Chief Art Acevedo who responded quickly to this recent incident of senseless gun violence in Austin. It is far too common in Texas to turn on the television to see breaking news of yet another active shooter in one of our communities. It is long past time that we do more to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. Here in Texas, the law allows people to openly carry loaded rifles in public with absolutely no training, permitting, or even a minimum age requirement. That lack of state oversight, combined with the loopholes that enable a significant number of gun sales to take place without a background check, endangers Texas families. It is not possible to know whether a person open carrying is a criminal or an activist making a political statement. With rights come responsibilities and our state does not do enough to ensure the safety of Texans. We hope the Austin shooting is a wake-up call for lawmakers who are contemplating further loosening the state’s laws regarding gun safety and responsibility.”
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of American mothers fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. Since its inception after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 2.5 million members and more than 40,000 donors. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand