If you see or know of individuals shooting guns in the air, you can report this activity anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for up $5,000 reward.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner and Mayor Sylvester Turner have announced Crime Stoppers will be offering reward money for any tips that lead to the arrest of a person shooting off a firearm within Harris County.
“The Problem
Celebratory gunfire occurs when someone discharges a firearm during a celebration. Although these shots are not intended to harm anyone, a bullet can return to the ground with sufficient force to penetrate the human skull and cause serious injury or death. Texas does not have comprehensive laws around celebratory gunfire or reckless discharge of a firearm.
Texas Gun Sense recommends changes to current law to address dangerous celebratory gunfire
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What Does Existing Texas Law Say?
Celebratory gunfire is illegal in Texas cities with populations of 100,000 or more. It is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $4,000.
Another Texas law states that anyone who fires a gun in a public place without a legitimate reason is committing Disorderly Conduct. This is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine).
Current Texas laws on gun use while under the influence are not consistent. It is a misdemeanor to carry a handgun in public while intoxicated. However, it is legal to carry a long gun in public while intoxicated.
On private property, there are no restrictions on firing any kind of firearm while under the influence.
The Human Cost to Texans
2021 – Though the Texas Department of Public Safety and police departments across the state advised against celebratory gunfire, it was not enough to prevent death and injury from stray and falling bullets.
In 2021, 2 people were killed on New Year’s Eve in Arlington, including a child shot by a man “dancing or celebrating with a firearm.”
2020 – Nurse and Professor Phillippa Ashford, 61, was struck and killed by gunfire on New Year’s Day from celebratory gunfire in her neighborhood in Houston.
2017 – Armando Martínez, a Texas State Representative, was struck in the head by a stray bullet in Weslaco requiring emergency surgery to save his life.” –Texas Gun Sense
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