‘No special session' Governor Abbott announces steps the state will take in wake of El Paso shooting
AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - Following the deadly, mass shooting in El Paso Governor Abbott was the guest speaker at a town hall at the University of Texas at Tyler, Thursday.
Governor Abbott opened the town hall by saying although he is in Tyler his heart goes out to El Paso. When asked about having a special session, Governor Abbott said the state will take the necessary steps to address domestic terrorism without one.
Abbott's steps so far include a task force and roundtable discussions.
Last week, his office launched a Domestic Terrorism Task Force to protect against statewide acts of extremism. Governor Abbott said similar to the response after the Santa Fe shooting his office will host roundtable discussions with El Paso officials.
While Democrats call for stricter gun laws like background checks on gun purchases and 'red flag' laws. Governor Abbott said Texas already has similar regulations in place. "Texas will take a balanced and measured approach where we will work on getting guns out of the hands of deranged killers but at the same time respecting the rights of law abiding Texans," said Governor Abbott.
Following the town hall the Texas Democratic Party released this statement in part:
---
RELATED
Domestic Terrorism Task Force formed in wake of El Paso shooting
Gov. Abbott orders Texas flag flown at half-staff for El Paso shooting victims