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: Texas law does not mandate safe gun storage, and adult accountability is only enforceable when minors under 17 gain access to a readily dischargeable firearm.

The parents of the Santa Fe shooter ignored many warning signs, yet they made it possible for their 17-year-old to access an unsecured firearm at home and commit this horrific crime.

Last night, after years of anguish, the justice the survivors sought was not served.

The lack of accountability in this case underscores the urgent need for stronger safe storage and child access prevention laws in Texas — and we will keep fighting.

Today and always, our hearts are with the survivors, the victims’ families, and the Santa Fe community. In honor of them, Texas Gun Sense will continue to advocate tirelessly for policies that enforce responsible gun ownership and prevent future tragedies in our schools and communities.

Texas Gun Sense advocates to prevent gun violence and other gun tragedies through education, partnerships, and policy change. Learn more at txgunsense.org.

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