Allred Statement on Anniversary of El Paso Shooting

DALLAS – Congressman Colin Allred released the following statement on the fourth anniversary of the tragic shooting at a Walmart in El Paso in 2019 where 23 people were lost to an act of racist gun violence.

“Four years ago our state was devastated by a racist act of gun violence that claimed 23 innocent lives. My heart goes out to the loved ones of all the victims and all El Pasoans whose lives were forever changed by this targeted act of violence.

“Our state has been home to the deadliest mass shootings in the country but instead of passing common sense legislation that an overwhelming majority of Texans support, extremists like Ted Cruz have supported legislation that has made it easier for criminals and dangerous folks to get access to deadly weapons. We are not inherently more violent than other countries, yet we are the only developed nation that faces this level of mass shootings because of decades of politicians including Ted Cruz refusing to act. 

“I was proud to vote with both parties last year for the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years and am ready to build on that by passing common sense measures like universal background checks, raising the minimum age to purchase a firearm, and implementing red flag laws. I will always seek out bipartisan ways to keep Texans safe from gun violence while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.”