1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I write to you today grieving for the victims, thinking of the families forever changed, and demanding urgent, meaningful action following the devastating mass shooting that took place in downtown Austin on February 28–March 1, 2026. At least three people were killed — including the perpetrator — and fourteen others were wounded in a senseless act of gun violence at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street, in one of our state’s most vibrant communities. This tragedy is not a random aberration. It is part of a horrific trend of gun violence that continues to terrorize Texas families and communities. We have seen this pattern too many times — lives cut short, futures stolen, survivors left with trauma that no law or policy should tolerate. Prayer and condolences are not enough. What Texans need and deserve is leadership that confronts the root causes of gun violence with real solutions that save lives. Our current approach is failing. Therefore, I demand that you immediately take the following actions: 1. Strengthen Background Checks: Close loopholes that allow individuals to obtain firearms without a universal background check, including at gun shows and online sales. 2. Implement Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs): Pass laws that enable family members and law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a clear danger to themselves or others. 3. Ban Assault-Style Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines: These tools of mass destruction have no place in our communities and are all too frequently used in attacks like the one in Austin. 4. Invest in Community Violence Prevention: Increase funding for evidence-based programs that reduce gun violence, including crisis intervention, mental health support, and community outreach. 5. Support Law Enforcement AND Prevention: Equip local law enforcement with resources to prevent and respond to violent attacks, while also investing upstream in prevention and social services. Passing thoughtful, evidence-based gun safety measures is not incompatible with respecting lawful gun ownership — it is a necessary step to protect the rights of Texans to live safely in their communities. The citizens of Texas are living in fear of the next attack, and your inaction fuels that fear. I urge you not to wait for another tragedy before you act. Thousands of Texas families are counting on you to protect them — not just to offer prayers after yet another mass shooting. I look forward to your response and to seeing decisive leadership on this matter.