Political leaders comment on the deadly mass shootings in Allen

ALLEN (CBSNewsTexas.com) — Elected leaders representing the city of Allen are commenting on the deadly mass shooting at the outlet there.

In a press conference on Saturday night, lawmakers said they grieve for the families of the victims.

Jeff Leach State Representative R-McKinney said, “There are many, many people in our community tonight who are hurting, whose lives have been destroyed, and who need and deserve our collected prayers.”

U.S. Representative Keith Self, R-McKinney said, “We will never know how many lives were saved by the swift actions of our first responders. What we do know is that we owe a debt of gratitude to the first responders who ran towards the shots .”

State Senator Angela Paxton, who also represents the City of Allen, tweeted a statement that said in part, “We will never get over something like this, but we will get through it by being there for each other.”

Governor Greg Abbott released a statement saying, “I have been in contact with Mayor Fulk and DPS Director McCraw as well as other state and local leaders and have offered the State of Texas’ full support to local officials.”

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said in a statement, “Please join me in mourning the victims of Allen’s unspeakable tragedy. We are grateful for our brave first responders who were deployed to stop the shooter.”

Senator John Cornyn tweeted, “I mourn with the community of Allen tonight and send my gratitude to the brave Allen Police Officers, Collin County First Responders and everyone involved in the response to the horrific incident this afternoon.”

Senator Ted Cruz tweeted, “My team is in contact with local officials and I have offered all the support needed to bring about justice and help those in need.”

State Representative Rhetta Bowers D-Garland released a statement that said in part, “It should be said that these tragedies will continue to happen as long as Texas fails to enact common-sense gun safety reforms and invests in mental health and social safety net.”

It is still in the early stages of the investigation and law enforcement has not said what weapon the gunman used and what led to this shooting. It comes nearly a year after the deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

The guns have been the subject of some debate on the Texas Capitol during the regular legislative session.

State Senator Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, representing Uvalde, has introduced a series of bills aimed at limiting gun sales. None of them received a committee hearing.

In the House, a bill to raise the age at which someone can purchase an AR-style rifle from 18 to 21 received a committee hearing but was left pending.

Three weeks into the session, none of the bills are likely to pass Republican majorities in either house.

Follow Jack on Twitter: @cbs11jack

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