Texas Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond to Shooting at Flea Market in North Harris County

The Texas chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement in response to a shooting at a flea market in Harris County where thousands of people were shopping on Sunday afternoon. According to reports, two people were killed and three others were left in critical condition. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the gun violence may have stemmed from an altercation between two parties. This shooting was one of many tragedies that broke out across the country over the weekend.

“We are heartbroken to hear of yet another tragic shooting in our state,” said Gaby Diaz, a volunteer with the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action. “There’s absolutely no reason why a trip to the flea market should devolve into gun violence. We’re seeing the gun lobby’s ‘guns everywhere’ agenda play out in real time on Texas streets, and we will continue to hold lawmakers accountable for the role they’ve played in enabling this violence.”

According to Everytown’s gun law ranking platform, Texas scores only 13.5 out of 100 for gun law strength, and despite high levels of gun violence, state lawmakers have only continued to tear down existing gun safety protections in recent years. Just last session, the Texas legislature passed permitless carry into law, dismantling the state’s concealed carry permitting system and opening the doors to even more gun violence in the state. 

While state lawmakers refuse to meaningfully address Texas’ gun violence crisis, part of the solution may rest with local efforts. Research shows that Community Violence Intervention Programs are effective at reducing gun injuries and deaths in some of the most heavily-impacted neighborhoods. Using a localized approach and public health model, these programs can help keep Texans safe.

In an average year, 3,647 people are killed by guns in Texas, and another 9,173 are wounded. Gun violence costs Texas $23.7 billion each year, of which $1 billion is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Texas is available here.