Texas Dem opposes tighter gun laws, notes shootings occur in blue states too.

Stricter Gun Control Measures Unlikely to Have Prevented Texas Mall Shooting, Says Democrat

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) Calls for Investigation into Mass Shooting

Stricter gun control measures would not have prevented the recent mass shooting at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, according to Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas). The shooting left at least eight people dead, and Cuellar has called for officials to determine what led to the tragedy. “There’s always telltale signs before; there’s indicators [we] should have looked out for,” Cuellar stated in an interview with Fox News. He noted that even Democrat-run states with strict gun-control measures have seen mass shootings in recent months, such as New York and Illinois.

• In New York, a man opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, killing 10 and injuring three.
• In Highland Park, Illinois, another shooter opened fire at a Fourth of July parade, killing seven people.

The Biden administration has made gun control a signature policy initiative, but Cuellar believes that officials should focus on identifying warning signs and addressing the root causes of mass shootings.

Details of the Shooting

The alleged shooter, 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia, was “neutralized” by a city police officer who responded to an unrelated call at the outlet mall before he “engaged” the suspect, according to Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey. The names of the victims have not been released, and a motive has not been established. Dashcam video circulating online showed the gunman getting out of a car and shooting at people on the sidewalk. More than three dozen shots could be heard as the vehicle that was recording the video drove off.

Seven people, including the shooter, died at the scene, and two others died at hospitals. The wounded remained hospitalized on May 7—three in critical condition and four in fair condition—the Allen Police Department stated.

Texas Governor Offers Support to Allen

Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his condolences to the victims and offered the full support of the state to local officials. “Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas, tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” Abbott said in a statement. He plans to visit Allen to provide hope and healing to the community and to help families get answers to their questions about the shooting.