District 5 & 7 Councilmembers Request Campaign on Celebratory Gunfire
Published on September 30, 2024
District 5 and 7 Councilmembers File Joint Request to Initiate Campaign on the Dangers of Celebratory Gunfire
SAN ANTONIO (September 30, 2024) — Today, District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo and District 7 Marina Alderete Gavito filed a joint Council Consideration Request (CCR) for the City of San Antonio to explore initiating public service campaigns centered on the dangers of celebratory gunfire, the legal consequences of the act, and a reminder to “Call the Shots” and report celebratory gunfire to the non-emergency line, 210-207-SAPD (7273).
“Oftentimes at neighborhood meetings, community members mention that they feel unsafe in their own homes due to reckless celebratory gunfire,” Councilmember Teri Castillo continued, “This request is one way that we can utilize our existing relationships with media, our Communications & Engagement team, and law enforcement to spread the word that we all have a role to play to keep our communities safe.”
Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito added, “Our community's public safety is my number one priority, and we must take action to protect our community from the dangers of celebratory gunfire. By initiating this public service campaign, we're aiming to raise awareness of the legal consequences of reckless gun behavior – while ensuring our residents know how to report these incidents to the non-emergency line through the 'Call the Shots' initiative.”
Councilmembers Melissa Cabello Havrda, District 6; John Courage, District 9; and Marc Whyte, District 10 provided supporting signatures on the CCR.
“Gun violence and the proliferation of unsafe gun practices are of growing concern within our community,” District 9 Councilmember John Courage said. “It will take educational campaigns like this CCR in conjunction with our Voluntary Weapons Xchange, which is spearheaded by District 9, to positively impact the gun culture in San Antonio.”
The City’s Governance Committee will review the CCR and decide whether to include the topic in a future Council meeting.