Texas Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action, Everytown Respond To Shooting At Bellaire High School In Houston

HOUSTON — The Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement in response to a shooting at Bellaire High School in Houston. 

“This is another horrific reminder of the toll that gun violence takes on our state — and especially on young people,” said Tanya Rhoades, volunteer with the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action in Houston. “How long must we wait for lawmakers to stand up for common-sense gun laws to keep our children safe in school?” 

“As gun safety advocates, we know that gun violence can happen anywhere — but that doesn’t prepare you for the moment it happens in your backyard,” said Milan Narayan, volunteer with the Bellaire High School chapter of Students Demand Action. “We are shocked by what happened today, and our thoughts are with the family of the victim. We shouldn’t have to live like this.”

Texas lawmakers rolled back public safety laws during the 2019 legislative session. Despite numerous high-profile shootings, state lawmakers in recent years have failed to pass or even consider legislation requiring background checks on all gun sales or red flag legislation. 

Gun violence is the second-leading cause of death for children and teens in Texas. Every year in Texas on average, more than 3,000 people are killed with guns and hundreds more are wounded. 

More information about keeping schools safe from gun violence is available here.