As the 2025 Texas Legislative Session approaches, Texans cannot afford more inaction on gun violence prevention.
Texas Gun Sense is building a movement for a safer Texas through advocacy, education and partnerships. Your support makes our work possible. In 2024, we focused on strengthening our movement.
Gun violence is a public health crisis that can be prevented. You can join us to stand up against the threat of gun violence in the places that should feel safe, including our schools.
The election results are devastating for so many of us, because we know what’s at stake. But you can help us channel this urgency into action.
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As Texans, we pride ourselves on our resilience and strength. Yet, we face a silent public health crisis that demands our immediate attention: suicide.
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Texas Gun Sense Healthcare Coalition—a network of dedicated healthcare professionals united to address gun violence as the public health crisis that it is.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the devastating impact of domestic violence in our communities and take action to protect those most at risk.
Washington, D.C. – A new report from the Center for American Progress finds that in Texas, the percentage of gun violence homicides plummeted by 15% in the first eight months of 2024 compared to 2023.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Texas Gun Sense joined President Biden, Vice President Harris, and scores of gun violence prevention advocates from across the country for an event to celebrate what the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention has achieved since its creation one year ago.
As part of our ongoing "Guide to Texas Gun Laws" series, we’re focusing today on a vital, life-saving tool: safe gun storage. Believe it or not, Texas law does not require firearms to be stored securely unless a child under 17 gains access to a loaded and readily dischargeable weapon. Learn more...
Our hearts are shattered at the news of another school shooting, this time in Winder, Georgia. We refuse to accept this reality as normal. One thing is clear: no community is safe from gun violence in America. (photo: CBS News)
The State Fair of Texas has made a crucial decision to prohibit fairgoers from carrying guns, for the safety and security of attendees. We need your help to send a clear message to state lawmakers that Texans support this choice. (photo: Elías Valverde Ii/The Dallas Morning News, via Associated Press)
We are shocked and dismayed by the jury's decision to find the shooter's parents not liable for the devastating mass shooting at Santa Fe High School that stole the lives of 10 people and injured 13. This outcome highlights a disturbing gap in our state’s gun safety laws.
Last year, three people were shot and wounded at the State Fair of Texas. Organizers of the Fair took responsible action: they consulted with security partners and reviewed policies of similar events in Texas. As a result, they recently announced that guns would not be allowed into the fair.
By guest blogger, Lindsey Ramirez - I’m writing to you not only as an Austin school staff member but also as a parent who, like many of you, grapples with the very real fear of sending my child off to school each day.
We know that understanding gun laws can be complex and sometimes confusing. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our new series, A Guide to Texas Gun Laws. This series will break down the most important aspects of our state’s gun policies, laws that determine the safety of our communities.
Tomorrow marks five years since the tragic El Paso Walmart shooting, a day that we will remember forever. On August 3, 2019, a gunman fueled by hatred and white supremacy took the lives of 23 innocent people and injured many others. This horrific act of violence devastated families and shattered communities. The El Paso tragedy showed us again how dangerous and destructive hate-fueled armed extremism can be.
Texas leads the nation in the number of unintentional shootings. This is a tragedy. But we don’t have to live like this. Learn how to take action today.
We are excited to share the launch of our Texas Gun Owners Coalition and invite you to join if this is the group for you. Learn how to get involved.
This weekend, the entire country watched in horror as political violence erupted at a campaign rally. It is unacceptable that easy access to firearms has put our citizens in danger in the places where they deserve to feel safe. Photo by Scott Goldsmith for POLITICO
I’m a gun violence prevention advocate, and as long as I’m on the planet, I am going to fight for a future without gun violence for all of us. In April of 2022, I was hired as Texas Gun Sense’s Executive Director. I’d learned during a decade of advocacy that gun violence takes many forms — the mass shootings that hit national headlines (Texas has seen too many) and the daily violence that is so common that it receives little media attention.
The Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Fifth Circuit's ruling in Rahimi preserves federal protections for domestic violence victims, sending the message that victims and survivors deserve to live without fear of harm from gun violence.
We, the undersigned organizations and community members, write to express our deep concern regarding Attorney General Paxton’s recent actions to prevent the enforcement of a critical ATF rule in Texas.
Texas Gun Sense expresses deep concern and outrage in the Supreme Court’s decision in the Cargill v. Garland case, which struck down the ATF rule prohibiting bump stocks.
This Gun Violence Awareness Month, we were honored to gather survivors to share their stories for the Turning Tragedy into Action: Stories of Hope and Resilience webinar. Thank you to our courageous speakers, including those who survived a shooting and those whose loved ones have been killed or injured.
We remember the lives taken in the horrific shooting in Uvalde, on May 24, 2022, and stand with the courageous survivors who want to honor the lives of their loved ones with action.
Background checks save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of people with documented dangerous histories. Unfortunately, a north Texas judge is preventing it from being enforced in Texas. His ruling partially and temporarily froze the federal rule.
The NRA just wrapped up their national convention in Dallas. This organization bills itself as representing gun owners but has been found corrupt and liable for fraudulently spending donor funds — and is out of step with the majority of responsible gun owners.
Texas Gun Sense recently celebrated 11 years of advocacy preventing gun violence in Texas. Our anniversary was marked by reflection on the milestones we've achieved, the challenges we've overcome, and the progress we've made towards a future free from gun violence.
Click here to find all the tools you need to take action for common sense gun safety.
If you are a gun owner, we encourage you to take action by emailing your lawmakers calling for the passage of safer gun laws. Learn more.
Join us for these upcoming events!
Today, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) finalized a rule requiring a large number of unlicensed gun dealers to become licensed and, in turn, conduct background checks on buyers.
Almost a year has passed since the mass shooting at a mall in Allen, Texas. Eight people were murdered, and at least seven more were injured. This can’t be acceptable.
The public health approach to gun violence prevention adopts a systematic and evidence-based framework by drawing upon principles typically applied in addressing other public health challenges.
As we gear up for the upcoming legislative session, we're excited to equip you with the tools you need to advocate effectively for gun violence prevention in Texas.
This past Sunday, a woman brought her seven year old child and an AR-15 to Lakewood Church in Houston, a congregation attended by 45,000 people each week. The woman opened fire in the church. She was killed, and her child was critically wounded. Read more...
As we step into February, we celebrate Black History Month and the immeasurable contributions of Black advocates in the movement to end gun violence. Read more...
We're thrilled to share that the White House has taken a monumental step towards promoting safe gun storage nationwide with the launch of new executive actions.
Austin, TX —Today, the DOJ released a report detailing the systemic failures and lack of police response that resulted in the murder of 21 students and educators at Robb Elementary. These horrific details are compounded by the inexcusable absence of action during the 88th legislative session.
As we enter 2024, we will continue to empower networks of advocates, expand youth advocacy, and promote measures to alleviate the disproportionate impact of gun tragedies.
Last week proved once again why our commitment to ending gun violence is so critical: A gunman murdered six people and injured three in a string of horrific Central Texas shootings, while an individual with a dangerous history was seen pacing outside of Austin schools armed with a rifle.
This week, 6 people were killed and 3 were injured in a string of shootings that took place in Austin and San Antonio, perpetrated by a single gunman who killed his parents before shooting others. "We cannot allow the public to become numb to the daily crisis of gun violence in our state," says Nicole Golden, Executive Director of Texas Gun Sense.
As we reflect on the impactful moments of our fall fundraiser last week, we extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible supporters, sponsors, and inspiring speakers who united to champion a safer Texas. The work we do together is laying the groundwork for a future free from gun violence.
In 2022, 216 Texans were killed in intimate partner violence and more than 70% of victims were killed with a firearm. Firearms increase the chances that an intimate partner will be murdered by 5 times. Loopholes in federal and state law leave guns in the hands of abusive partners and stalkers, often with deadly results. Read more.
We need you to submit a comment to support a crucial rule change that would bring us closer to having federal background checks on all gun sales, a measure that 86% of Texas voters support.
In 2022, 26,993 people in the United States died by suicide with a firearm, and according to recent data, 4,193 Texans died by suicide in 2021. While all suicide attempts have an 8.5% death rate, those involving firearms are the number one cause of suicide death and have an 89.6% mortality rate. These numbers are startling, and we’re committed to improving them.
The recent launch of a Texas non-profit by Kyle Rittenhouse is a stark reminder that we must continue to push back against powerful extremism.
An important part of our work includes honoring the far too many people impacted by the gun violence crisis that claims the lives of more than 4,000 Texans every year and injures thousands more
For teens who want to get involved, there are so many ways you can help. Even if you can’t vote for policymakers who would support common sense gun reform
In case you missed it, last week Texas Gun Sense hosted a powerful virtual event to recap our advocacy for gun safety during the 88th Legislative Session. We brought together passionate individuals and expert speakers to share insights and explore solutions. Thank you to all who attended!
By guest author Dr. Angel Durr. "My heart aches with an indescribable pain that never fades. My 54-year-old mother was taken from me and my family in April 2021 by a senseless and preventable act of gun violence." READ MORE
Unsecured firearms in the home can result in suicides, homicides, and unintentional shootings.
Texas experienced one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history in 2022 when a gunman murdered 19 children and two educators and injured 14 others at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
We know that creating stronger vetting requirements to purchase semi-automatic rifles like AR-15s is a necessary step for making Texas safer.
Texas should join other states that have adopted an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law, allowing civil court judges to temporarily remove firearms from individuals threatening to harm themselves or others.
Texas should ensure domestic abusers prohibited from possessing firearms by law do not have access to them. A comprehensive statewide protocol for the relinquishment of firearms would make our existing laws more effective and prevent domestic homicides.
The state should invest in community violence intervention by creating a statewide office of violence prevention and supporting local community violence intervention programs.
Suicide is preventable. In taking efforts to prevent gun access to those at risk of suicide, Texas can save lives.
Seventy-eight percent of Texas voters support strengthening background checks, recognizing that we must do more to keep guns out of the hands of individuals with dangerous histories.