Texas lawmakers around the state are reacting to the recent shooting in San Jacinto County, Texas. On April 28, 2023, a gunman opened fire and killed five people after his neighbor asked him to turn his music down so their baby could sleep.
Texas Representative Sylvia Garcia (D) expressed her remorse after the tragic shooting.
“I’m heartbroken and distraught by the tragedy in San Jacinto County. No family should have to experience fear and trauma within the safety of their own home,” stated Rep. Garcia.
The Texas lawmaker shared the toll that gun violence takes on families.
“Gun violence takes far too many lives and causes immeasurable pain and suffering within our communities.”
Rep. Garcia called for immediate action in order to stop gun violence.
“We need gun safety reform NOW to prevent these tragedies from happening in the future. It is unacceptable that Texas MAGA Republicans continue to put guns over people.”
“NRA over children. It must stop!” said the Texas congresswoman.
I’m heartbroken and distraught by the tragedy in San Jacinto County. No family should have to experience fear and trauma within the safety of their own home. Gun violence takes far too many lives and causes immeasurable pain and suffering within our communities.
— Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) May 1, 2023
Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) questioned the logic behind current gun legislation.
“If loosening gun laws actually made us safer, Texas would have one of the best records in the country on gun violence,” said Rep. Escobar.
The El Paso native emphasized the tragic loss of 5 people due to gun violence.
“Instead another 5 people are dead, including an 8-year-old, because Republicans refuse to take action.”
Rep. Escobar continued to point out how guns contribute to the danger present in the country.
“In this country so awash with firearms, you can’t go to grocery stores, church, schools, or even your neighbor’s house now without fear,” stated the Texas lawmaker.
She ended her statements with a clear indictment of what she sees as the cause of rising shootings.
“It’s the guns.”
If loosening gun laws actually made us safer, Texas would have one of the best records in the country on gun violence.
Instead another 5 people are dead, including an 8-year-old, because Republicans refuse to take action. https://t.co/aOEK02LXWQ
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) April 29, 2023
In this country so awash with firearms, you can’t go to grocery stores, church, schools, or even your neighbor’s house now without fear.
It’s the guns.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) April 29, 2023
Texas Senator John Cornyn (R) gave his analysis of the mass shooting that took place in Cleveland, Texas.
“On Friday a family gathered together in Cleveland, TX,” stated the Texas lawmaker.
Sen. Cornyn highlighted how the presence of danger can appear seemingly out of nowhere.
“What they thought was just a normal night turned life-shattering because of the actions of a criminal. I discussed the tragic shooting that rocked this tight-knit community on the Senate floor.”
On Friday a family gathered together in Cleveland, TX.
What they thought was just a normal night turned life-shattering because of the actions of a criminal.
I discussed the tragic shooting that rocked this tight-knit community on the Senate floor.
https://t.co/iCmSCnHqTQ— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 1, 2023
Texas has had several mass shootings this year alone. Sen. Cornyn blamed the Biden administration's immigration policies for the most recent mass shooting.
“Texas Sen. @JohnCornyn on Cleveland murders, done by an undocumented migrant with a history of deportations: ‘There are devastating consequences when the Biden administration simply refuses to enforce the law, both at and inside of our borders.' #txlege”
Texas Sen. @JohnCornyn on Cleveland murders, done by an undocumented migrant with a history of deportations:
“There are devastating consequences when the Biden administration simply refuses to enforce the law, both at and inside of our borders.” #txlege— Michael Board (@MikeBoard1200) May 1, 2023
Texas Representative Colin Allred stated that he would be praying for the local Texans.
“5 people, including an 8-year-old, were tragically killed last night by a man with an AR-style rifle. I join my fellow Texans in praying for this community,” said Rep. Allred.
Rep. Allred also pushed for getting rid of the assault weapons that contribute to several mass shootings a year.
“We cannot continue like this. We must get these AR-style weapons of war out of our neighborhoods.”
5 people, including an 8-year-old, were tragically killed last night by a man with an AR-style rifle. I join my fellow Texans in praying for this community.
We cannot continue like this. We must get these AR-style weapons of war out of our neighborhoods. https://t.co/49ouhmmmKT
— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) April 29, 2023
Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) lamented the news that another mass shooting had taken place.
“The news out of San Jacinto County is awful,” stated Rep. Castro.
The San Antonio native pushed for stricter gun laws. Moreover, he called for Congress to put an end to the relaxation of gun legislation.
“Texans shouldn’t have to live in fear that a neighbor with an AR-style weapon will come after their family. Congress needs to pass serious gun safety reform & the TX legislature has to stop putting folks at risk by loosening gun laws.”
The news out of San Jacinto County is awful.
Texans shouldn’t have to live in fear that a neighbor with an AR-style weapon will come after their family. Congress needs to pass serious gun safety reform & the TX legislature has to stop putting folks at risk by loosening gun laws. https://t.co/OJ6L1KDstT
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) April 29, 2023
Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott (R), placed a bounty on the shooter who took the lives of 5 human beings.
“I’ve announced a $50K reward for info on the criminal who killed 5 illegal immigrants Friday. Also directed #OperationLoneStar to be on the lookout,” said Gov. Abbott.
The Texas lawmaker stated that he would deploy “all” resources available to the state in order to stop the mass shooter.
“I continue working with state & local officials to ensure all available resources are deployed to respond.”
I’ve announced a $50K reward for info on the criminal who killed 5 illegal immigrants Friday. Also directed #OperationLoneStar to be on the lookout.
I continue working with state & local officials to ensure all available resources are deployed to respond. pic.twitter.com/SpkUgKqKGe
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 30, 2023
This shooting comes a little over a month after the recent shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, TN.
On March 27, 2023, an armed individual charged into the school killing three children and three adults.
