Press Release

HDC Chair Turner Statement on Uvalde Mass Shooting, Gun Safety Laws

(TEXAS) – Tuesday, May 24th, an 18-year-old man entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, with an AR-15 and murdered 19 students and two teachers.

Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) issued the following statement in response:

“My heart goes out to the families and the communities of the victims of this unspeakable tragedy.

“Three years ago, a horrific shooting happened in a Walmart in El Paso. Sixty-three House Democrats responded by asking Gov. Abbott to call a special session and immediately pass necessary, common-sense gun safety legislation. Specifically, we called for:
1. Enacting extreme risk protective order laws and closing existing loopholes in current protective order laws;
2. Closing background check loopholes;
3. Banning the sale of high-capacity magazines;
4. Limiting the open carry of certain semi-automatic long guns; and
5. Requiring stolen guns to be reported to law enforcement.

“The governor ignored our call for action, and instead of prioritizing public safety, Abbott made it easier than ever for anyone anywhere to get a gun — without training, without licensing and without a background check.

“Texas House Democrats remain ready to debate and pass common-sense gun safety legislation. During the 87th Regular Session, Texas House Democrats filed over 50 bills that would address this crisis. But the Republicans in charge of our state for the last two decades have refused to support meaningful reforms — even after Sutherland Springs, Santa Fe, El Paso, Midland-Odessa and White Settlement, to name just a few unspeakable tragedies.

“We call on Gov. Abbott and Texas Republicans to join us in passing common-sense gun safety reforms so that parents can feel safe sending their kids to school. And we will do everything we can in the meantime to help the communities in Uvalde heal.”

Click here to download the Texas House Democrats gun safety legislation from the 87th Regular Session.

The Texas House Democratic Caucus, which is composed of all Democrats in the Texas House, serves as the group’s membership services and logistical arm, and works to support House Democrats with communications, policy, and legal resources. Chaired by Rep. Chris Turner (D – Grand Prairie), the Caucus is focused on fighting for real solutions for all Texans.
For questions regarding the information in this release, please contact press@texashousedems.com