Mayor's Office Press Release

May 23, 2018 -- Mayor Sylvester Turner today announced the names of 37 individuals who represent a cross-section of the Houston community to serve on his new Mayor’s Commission Against Gun Violence. The diverse group includes students, parents, physicians, law enforcement officials, gun-rights advocates, gun violence victims and members of faith-based and civil rights organizations.

The commission’s charge is to develop and propose specific recommendations to improve gun safety in our schools, neighborhoods and communities through action on the local, state and federal levels.

In March, the mayor announced plans to establish the Commission Against Gun Violence in solidarity with the national student-led movement March for Our Lives. He made the announcement at a downtown Houston rally and march that drew thousands of people.

The mayor, who has a lengthy legislative record advocating for schools and for responsible gun use, is inspired by young people who have organized to educate elected officials and the public about the need to improve school safety and effectively address gun violence issues on school campuses.

“I’m not interested in engaging in a political battle or fight against any organization,” Mayor Turner said. “But I am interested in coming up with ideas that can make society safer for our children, irrespective of where they come from, their religious beliefs or languages they speak, because the shooters have demonstrated they do not respect human life.”

Shortly after a Santa Fe High School student was charged with killing eight classmates and two teachers, Mayor Turner encouraged school districts to consider measures that would make schools as safe as government buildings.  “You can’t walk into city hall without going through metal detectors and our children deserve the same protection in their schools,” the mayor said.

Mayor Turner will give the commission the time and resources it needs to research and submit recommendations. However, he has asked the commission to provide some recommendations before the next school year starts in the fall and the rest before the start of the 2019 session of the Texas Legislature.

The following people have been appointed to serve on the Commission Against Gun Violence.