As the New Year approaches, officials are issuing a strong warning against the practice of celebratory gunfire. Discharging firearms into the air not only poses a significant risk to public safety but also has the potential to cause serious harm or even fatalities.
“When a bullet is fired into the sky, it eventually comes back down,” stated Kristen Dark, Senior Public Information Officer for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. “While it may not descend with the same speed as it ascended, it falls at a velocity capable of inflicting damage to property and endangering lives.”
The dangers of celebratory gunfire are underscored by past incidents, including a 2017 episode where State Representative Armando Martinez was struck by a stray bullet during New Year festivities. This warning comes in light of a recent injury in Bastrop County attributed to similar gunfire.
Moreover, the consequences of reckless gun use were starkly illustrated last week when Cody Adams in Comanche, Oklahoma, was charged with manslaughter after his celebratory gunfire resulted in the death of a neighbor.
Last New Year’s Eve, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office received 40 calls to 911 regarding shots fired between 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day, highlighting the prevalence of this dangerous behavior.
Dark reflected on the cultural roots of this practice, noting, “Shooting guns in the air might seem like a nostalgic tradition, reminiscent of Western films, but this is not the Wild West. This is Travis County, a suburban area where such actions are inappropriate and can have devastating consequences.”
Each jurisdiction enforces its own regulations regarding firearm use. State law prohibits the reckless discharge of firearms in municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000. Travis County’s laws are even stricter, forbidding gunfire on regulated lots in unincorporated areas, with offenders facing potential fines or imprisonment.
“We hope that the consequences of past incidents have prompted individuals to reconsider their actions,” Dark added. “We are once again urging the community to refrain from celebratory gunfire, as it poses a significant threat to safety.”
If you hear gunfire during the celebrations, authorities advise calling 911. For fireworks, the non-emergency line should be contacted.
