Gun Laws

A judge appointed by former President Donald Trump based his decision on a June U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down New York’s concealed carry law.

The survey, conducted by the Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler, also shows most Texans are concerned about gun violence, but reflects Gov. Abbott’s lead over Beto O’Rourke is widening.

While Texans are still reeling from the May shooting in Uvalde that claimed the lives of 21 people, the state faces another somber reminder this week of the proliferation of gun violence in Texas.

Uvalde residents gathered at Robb Elementary School on Sunday evening and marched through 105-degree temperatures, calling for accountability, increased school safety and gun reform.

Overwhelming majorities want to see universal background checks, raising the age to buy any kind of gun to 21 and red flag laws. But just a quarter trust the government to look out for them.

In arguing over causes of the latest mass shooting, political debate often overlooks the range of incremental steps that could lessen the chances of mass killing and help address the nation’s persistent gun violence.

Abbott’s comments came hours after the Texas Department of Public Safety admitted the decision to not immediately engage the shooter was "wrong."

In response, Abbott said this was the time for Texans to come together and heal. O'Rourke is seeking to unseat the governor in the November election.

A shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, marks the 27th such school shooting in the U.S. this year.

Ron Avi Astor, a mass shooting expert and UCLA professor, said the approach to gun law reform should begin at the community level, with discussions between parents, schools and residents.