Lakewood Shooting Tragedy Leaves Some Lawmakers Calling for Stricter Gun Laws

On February 11, a female shooter entered Lakewood Church in Houston and opened fire on an unarmed crowd worshipping in a Sunday service. In the attack, the assailant brought her 7-year-old little boy.

Three people were shot as a result of the woman’s attack. The shooter was killed by Lakewood security. A 57-year-old man was shot in the leg and later released from the hospital. The 7-year-old boy was sadly shot in the gunfire and had to have part of his frontal lobe removed. He is currently still in the hospital.

The gunwoman had a history of mental illness and prior arrests. Many have called into question why she was allowed to legally own a gun.

The shooter's weapon was covered in anti-Semitic rhetoric and images. Her family believes that the attack was partially related to a dispute between the shooter and her ex-husband's family who have Jewish members.

Several Texas lawmakers have responded to the attacks with some calling for stricter gun laws, some offering prayers and others doing both.

Texas Representative Sylvia Garcia (D) called for stronger and safer gun legislation, as well as thanking the first responders.

“What happened at Lakewood Church is inexcusable. This tragedy is a reminder of the urgent need for action. Thank you to our first responders for acting swiftly today. Enact sensible gun reform now to safeguard lives,” said Rep. Garcia.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) offered his prayers and stated his intentions to hold the shooter accountable.

“Our hearts are with those impacted by today’s tragic shooting in Houston. Places of worship are sacred. I have spoken with Mayor Whitmire and offered the full support of Texas to bring this criminal to justice. Join Cecilia and me in praying for the Lakewood Church community,” said Gov. Abbott.

Texas Representative Roland Gutierrez (D) pointed to the shooter’s criminal history and expressed his desire to pass stricter gun laws while bashing Texas Senator Ted Cruz for not passing stronger gun legislation.

“The Lakewood shooter in Houston had prior arrests including assault and unlawful carrying of a weapon. This person shouldn't have been able to get their hands on a gun, but thanks to Texas Republicans and Ted Cruz's loose gun laws, the shooter was able to carry out this attack. We need to get serious about ending gun violence in our country, and when I'm elected to the US Senate, we're going to do something about it once and for all.”

Texas has faced several mass shootings over the last few years, yet it has been an uphill battle to get stricter gun legislation passed in the state. This latest shooting, that took place in a place of worship, is a sad tragedy that did not need to happen.