Texas Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Executive Orders Released by Governor Abbott in Response to Mass Shootings in El Paso and Odessa

Requiring Background Checks on All Gun Sales and Strong Red Flag Laws Have Received Bipartisan Support from Lawmakers Across the Country 

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement in response to Governor Abbott’s release of eight executive orders addressing the mass shootings in El Paso and Odessa. The orders direct the Department of Public Safety to provide support for suspicious activity reporting and threat assessment programs that already exist under state law and incentivize counties to improve criminal conviction reporting to the Department.

“Any policy platform that doesn’t include background checks on all gun sales and a strong Red Flag law is not enough to keep our communities safe,” said Hilary Whitfield, chapter leader with the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “ Governor Abbott must acknowledge the fact that the gun violence crisis we face in Texas is fueled by easy access to guns. Texans need him to lead and call on the legislature to pass these proven policies.” 

Volunteers with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America have urged Governor Abbott and the Texas Safety Commission established last month to recommend legislation requiring background checks on all gun sales and a strong Red Flag law, policies that are proven to save lives and enjoy bipartisan support.