Texas Reps. React to Tragic Jacksonville Shooting

Texas Representatives Joaquin Castro (D) and Veronica Escobar (D) recently shared their thoughts on the tragic shooting in Jacksonville, FL.

Recently, A white male shooter in Jacksonville, FL killed three black individuals in a racially motivated attack.

The shooter, who was described by Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters as being in his 20s, was first seen outside of Edward Waters University (EWU).

The students of the university were told to stay inside. As the armed forces stood outside the campus, the gunman fled the scene to a nearby Dollar General dollar store.

The gunman was carrying a Glock and an AR-15-style rifle.

EWU is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) causing many to believe the gunman initially chose the university because of the large black population that attends the school.

The shooter killed himself after killing three people inside the store. Those who were killed included two black men and one black woman.

“This was quite frankly a maniac who wanted to take lives,” said Sheriff Waters.

Rep. Castro criticized the legislation on guns while also praying for those who were killed in the hate crime, as well as their families.

“Horrible news from Jacksonville. Tonight, another community is paying the price for our country’s loose gun laws and intensifying climate of hate. I’m praying for the victims and their families,” said Rep. Castro.

Rep. Escobar criticized the governors of Florida and Texas for their stance on gun laws. Moreover, the Texas representative accused the two governors of contributing to hate with their rhetoric.

“DeSantis — much like Greg Abbott — has made guns easy to access in his state and fanned the flames of hate. They criticize the shooters who embrace hate and use the guns, but refuse to acknowledge that they have created the conditions that fuel these deadly mass shootings.”

As of July 1, 2023, “constitutional carry” went into effect in Florida. The legislation allows for the varying of a concealed firearm without a permit.

The legislation has been criticized for being potentially dangerous and has caused much discussion regarding constitutional rights and safety.