‘Let the people’s voices be heard’ | Bexar County leaders demand action on gun violence
The aim is to take a look at methods the county can be concerned in initiatives geared toward tackling gun violence in the group.
SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County officers, legislation enforcement, medical professionals and group teams got here collectively Friday to debate methods to cut back gun violence and demand action at the state stage.
The occasion happened at the Bexar County Courthouse Friday, June 3, at 11 a.m. The aim is to take a look at methods the county can be concerned in initiatives geared toward tackling gun violence in the group.
Judge Nelson Wolff opened the information convention by urging state leaders to take action on passing gun legislation reforms. His gave 5 subjects he wished to see occur together with purple flag legal guidelines, elevating the age of buying assault rifles from 18 to 21, common background checks, requiring a license to hold, and coaching that goes together with that license.
“If state leaders do not want to take action on gun violelnce, then call an election on these five issues and let the people’s voice be heard,” Judge Wolff mentioned.
You can see the full remarks in the video under:
This comes after the college taking pictures in Uvalde, Texas, the place 19 youngsters and two lecturers had been killed when a gunman entered Robb Elementary and started taking pictures with an AR-15 model rifle.
The incident has sparked outrage throughout the nation and calls for of action taken to cut back gun violence.
Sheriff Javier Salazar additionally spoke at the occasion, and echoed Judge Wolff’s urging of state leaders to take action.
“Red flag laws are a must for starters,” Sheriff Salazar mentioned. He joined the name for Governor Abbott to name a particular legislative session to handle gun violence. So far, Governor Abbott has agreed solely to name a particular legislative committee, however there was no phrase on a particular session.
Sheriff Salazar additionally talked about accountable gun possession and the ongoing drawback of stolen weapons falling into the arms of criminals.
“On a daily basis, our deputies are encountering guns that were stolen from lawful gun owners who may have gotten a bit careless with those guns,” Sheriff Salazar mentioned, urging gun homeowners to maintain their weapons safe of their houses and automobiles. “Being a gun owner is a 24-hour a day endeavor.”
Also talking at the convention was Dr. Ronald Stewart, a trauma surgeon and Chair of Surgery at University Hospital and UT Health San Antonio, who was clearly affected by his experiences treating gunshot victims from the Uvalde taking pictures and the Sutherland Springs taking pictures.
“I can tell you that the injuries inflicted by the high volicity weapons such as the AR-15 is horrific. And to hear the words of the children is heartbreaking,” Dr. Stewart mentioned.
He sadly talked about the accidents inflicted by assault-style rifles that he has seen too usually.
“With the wounds from a high volicity, rapid rate of fire firearm that was used in these tragedies, most of the patients do not survive to make it to a trauma center. We have to prevent these tragedies from happening,” Dr. Stewart mentioned.
Other officers and teams concerned in the occasion embody:
- Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Precinct 1
- Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, Precinct 2
- U.R. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX)
- Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales
- Representatives from San Antonio Moms Demand Action
