Texas mourns another harrowing tragedy on 6th May 2023 at a suburb in Dallas, just seven days after the deadly attacks in Cleveland, Texas. The Gun Violence Archive infers that 2023 has seen more mass shootings than days, as this marks the 199th mass shooting in America.
Paying our respects to those who lost their lives and their families, here is the complete account of the incident.
Timeline of the Texas Shooting
Allen Shopping Centre harbors premium brands, eateries, and more than 120 stores, with considerable weekend footfall. With the usual buzzing hub, families were enjoying their time at the center.
At 3:30 pm, gunshots echoed throughout the mall as shoppers were seen running helter-skelter. The CCTV footage captured a man, clad in all-black attire, getting out of his car with a loaded rifle.
As the word “shooter” spread, people quickly searched for the safest spot. Some restaurant managers rescued a few customers through the rear exit, helping them with a narrow escape. Mr. Palaiko and his parents found a safe spot in a storeroom for 45 mins before being rescued by the police.
Trigger warning: Following thread contains acts of violence. Please open with caution.
Soon after, a police officer at the scene for an unrelated call killed the gunman in a hostile encounter. He was unidentified at the time of death.
Who is the Gunman in Texas Shooting Massacre?
Police identified the shooter as a 33-year-old Dallas resident, Mauricio Garcia. By the same night, officers with two search warrants searched his parent’s home in North East Dallas and a nearby extended stay where he was recently living.
Garcia was perceived as a reserved neighbor who had a set routine and never interacted much, as cited by his neighbors– Moises Carreon said, “It sends a chill down your spine. We know our neighbors…but how much do we know about our neighbors? That’s kind of the question we’ll never know.”
He was seen wearing a tactical vest with an RWDS patch (Right Wing Death Squad). Police suspect this may be the case of “White Supremacists” squad-related murders. However, there is no final report on the motive yet.
On the other hand, some conservatives blamed this on a gang-related massacre considering the shooter is of Hispanic descent.
Again, there needs to be a solid base for this argument.
Total Reported Casualties and Injured in Texas Mass Shooting
The total number of deaths recorded is 9, including the gunman. More than 7 people are injured, of which 3 are in serious condition.
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement on the shooting at Allen Premium Outlets:
“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy.”
Which State Has the Most Mass Shootings?
As per the Statista Research Department report, California has accounted for the most mass shootings as of 2023, with 25 shootings since 1982. It is followed by Texas and Florida, with 12 shootings each.
Which State Has the Most Guns?
Texas has the highest number of “registered” weapons, with a staggering tally of 1,006,555.
Abbott has considered the lack of proper mental institutions as a consequence of the growing mass shootings in Texas.
On the flip side, his tweet from 2015 has resurfaced again, where he seems disappointed that Texas is just at #2 in gun purchases.
For and Against Argument for Gun Control Laws
FOR GUN LAWS
He carried AR-15 Style Rifle during the shooting– a semi-automatic black rifle category. This weapon gained traction after the Federal Assault Weapons Ban was lifted in 2004.
The major controversy is that it is a military rifle and can quickly be lethal for a large gathering.
- People for stringent Gun laws are demanding a ban on guns. Most often, these guns were not used for self-defense but to harm someone. Also, these laws would help reduce the self-inflicted gun violence cases.
- Countries with stringent gun laws have recorded lesser homicide and suicide cases.
- It also helps protect women in domestic abuse cases.
- The Second Amendment was introduced only for the militia.
AGAINST GUN LAWS
- The Second Amendment of the US Constitution allows individual gun ownership.
- Gun Control Laws restrict people from practicing their right to self-defense using a weapon.
- It also strips away their right to own guns for hunting and national sports.
- If there are more constitutional rights bans, democracy is headed for a controlled ruling.
An Averagebeing Take
It is a matter of national concern for the USA.
As an obvious strategy– if the violence is by guns, we should do something about controlling it.
If there are stricter laws to refine the criteria for gun ownership, there could be a lesser possibility of a weapon in the wrong hands. The screening should be as regulated as a driver’s license or a passport. Only then can we expect a proper background check?
And the other solution is to hunt down all illegal gun dealers who sell guns without any license.
Passing on the torch to you–
What would be your solution for controlling this rampant violence? Do you think gun ownership should be govt-regulated?
What are your thoughts on this case? Let us know in the comments below. Keep the victims in your thoughts and prayers!
Source: NY Times