City Launches Public Awareness Campaign to Stop Celebratory Gunfire

Published on June 30, 2025

“Call the Shots” encourages the community to report gunfire.

SAN ANTONIO (June 30, 2025) – In an effort to curb the dangerous and illegal practice of celebratory gunfire, the City of San Antonio is launching a citywide public awareness campaign ahead of upcoming holiday celebrations. The “Call the Shots” campaign will remind residents that celebratory gunfire is illegal in Texas and poses a serious threat to public safety, often resulting in property damage and putting lives at risk.

In response to an increase in resident calls, District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo and District 7 Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito filed a joint Council Consideration Request (CCR) in September of 2024 for the City to explore initiating public service campaigns centered on the topic. The City’s Governance Committee, which reviews new policy initiatives, passed a motion to approve the CCR on January 15, 2025.

“Celebratory gunfire isn’t just illegal—it’s incredibly dangerous,” Councilmember Teri Castillo said. “In District 5, we know that safety is a shared responsibility. Celebratory gunfire puts lives at risk and has no place in our neighborhoods. The ‘Call the Shots’ campaign is a vital reminder to celebrate responsibly and to immediately report any gunfire to the San Antonio Police Department’s non-emergency hotline at 210-207-SAPD.”

“In District 7, we’ve seen firsthand how celebratory gunfire can damage homes and endanger families,” Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito said. “The ‘Call the Shots’ campaign is about public safety—empowering our residents to speak up, protect their neighborhoods, and prevent tragedy. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home—especially during times of celebration.”

The City’s campaign will include digital media, neighborhood outreach, and partnerships with local organizations and community leaders to spread the message. It aims to inform residents how to report gunfire so police officers can better focus their efforts and patrols. Enforcement will also be heightened during peak celebration periods to ensure the safety of all residents.

“Celebratory gunfire can have deadly consequences, ” San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said. “These bullets don’t disappear. They can land blocks away, causing harm to innocent people and damaging homes, vehicles, and property. This kind of reckless behavior has no place in our neighborhoods.”

Under Texas law, the reckless discharge of a firearm within city limits—specifically in municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more—is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by significant fines and possible jail time.

“This is not just a safety issue—it’s a legal one,” Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales said. “Those who engage in celebratory gunfire will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We are committed to protecting our communities and holding offenders accountable.”

San Antonio residents have reported an increasing number of incidents involving stray bullets—especially during New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July celebrations. These events result in hundreds of calls to law enforcement each year.

The “Call the Shots” campaign is a reminder to the community to celebrate responsibly and report any gunfire immediately by calling the San Antonio Police Department’s non-emergency line at 210-207-SAPD (7273).

Enforcement will be heightened during peak celebration periods to deter illegal gunfire and ensure public safety. The campaign also includes educational outreach through media, social media, and neighborhood partnerships.

For more information, visit SA.gov/CallTheShots, or to report celebratory gunfire, call SAPD’s non-emergency number: 210-207-SAPD (7273).