SAN ANTONIO — Each T-shirt displayed at Travis Park Church in San Antonio represents a neighbor who’s no longer with us. Their lives were cut short by a bullet. 

“Pretty much a shooting a day happening in San Antonio right now,” said Rev. Bob Clark with Travis Park Church.

The increase in shooting deaths is a troubling reality. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this year more than 37,000 people have been killed across the country.

What You Need To Know

  • T-shirts displayed at Travis Park Church in San Antonio represent people who died due to gun violence

  • In the past five years, more than 2,700 Bexar County residents have been shot and killed, either by homicide or suicide

  • The City of San Antonio recently held its first-ever weapons exchange at the Alamodome. Folks exchanged guns they no longer want or need 

  • According to CDC data, gun violence is now the No. 1 killer of kids in the United States

“Each one of these T-shirts will become a memorial,” Rev. Clark said.

The Travis Park Church congregation is participating in Vidas Robadas, honoring lives stolen by gun violence.

“For me this is a very moving, powerful statement that says 'this is happening in our community,'” said Rev. Clark. 

On average, nearly 4,000 Texans die by guns every year.  In the last five years, more than 2,700 Bexar County residents have been shot and killed, either by homicide or suicide. 

“The white T-shirts represent people who have taken their own lives with guns,” said Rev. Clark.

Hundreds of T-shirts hang in the sanctuary, showing victims’ names and their ages when they died. For Reverend Clark they serve as a reminder — something has to change.

“No matter what your politics are, one thing that everyone can agree on is we need to keep children safe,” he said. 

According to CDC data, gun violence is now the No. 1 killer of kids in the United States.

“Gen Z has never known a world without gun violence,” said Neva Smith with Students Demand Action. “We are the generation that has grown up doing active shooter drills.”

District 9 Councilman John Courage has been pushing for a weapons buyback in San Antonio for years. 

“We can take action,” he said.

The City of San Antonio recently held its first-ever weapons exchange at the Alamodome. Folks exchanged guns they no longer want or need — and got $50 to $300 H-E-B gift cards.

“We’re raised $175,000 and we know that will help us bring 5,6, 700 weapons off the streets of San Antonio,” Courage said.

Courage said the exchange ensured guns are safely removed and can’t be used in a crime.

“If we can save one life, this has been worth it,” he said. 

With lawmakers unable to agree on gun reforms, Rev. Clark says the weapons exchange shows the Alamo City is open to change.

“We might not be able to stop it, but we can certainly reduce the amount of gun violence we are currently experiencing,” he said.