AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas lawmakers are trying to figure out ways to prevent mass shootings. Thursday, a state Senate panel tasked with keeping Texans safe from gun violence met for the first time.
- Panel comes on heels of August mass shootings in Texas
- Typical mass shooter profiled
- Private sales between individuals discussed
It comes in the wake of last month's two shootings, just weeks apart, that left 29 Texans dead.
Although lawmakers can't set any new laws in the interim, they heard invited testimony from law enforcement and legal officials who weighed in on proper reporting, preventing copy-cat shooters, and whether or not new gun safety laws are necessary.
"In my 47 years, I don't think ever have we dealt with a more life-or-death issue," said Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston.
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During the committee's first meeting, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw laid out what he called the typical shooter archetype: self-radicalized, racially motivated and inspired by social media. He says there's almost always pre-attack indicators posted online by the shooter.
"You don't get notoriety unless your name is out there," said McCraw.
To prevent future attacks, McCraw says DPS needs more resources. He says his agency needs $58 million to fund 151 additional roles that range from anti-terrorism agents to psychologists that could better track suspicious activity. But some lawmakers are questioning what more can be done if they encounter indicators of violent action but a crime hasn't been committed.
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Whitmire supports so-called red flag laws, which would allow judges to temporarily take guns away from people deemed dangerous to themselves or others. But critics say it could infringe upon citizens' rights to own a weapon.
"There is no law we're going to pass that keeps evil from going out and killing people," said Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound.
The next two hearings will be held in Odessa and El Paso. The committee will hear from victims of the shootings.
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also charged the committee with looking into gun sales between strangers. Recently, Patrick announced he supports background checks for private gun sales between strangers, breaks with the position of the National Rifle Association.
The shooter in Odessa was denied a purchase from a licensed gun store because of a failed background check. Law enforcement reported he then bought his gun through a private sale.
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