Howdy Partner, Hold Your Horses! How Many Shootings in Texas in 2023?
Ah, Texas. Land of wide-open spaces, ten-gallon hats, and... well, let's be honest, also a whole lot of guns. Which, naturally, leads to the question: how many times did those six-shooters go off in 2023? Buckle up, because this one's a real barn burner.
Yeehaw! Not Exactly a Banner Year for Peace and Quiet
Now, before you start picturing tumbleweeds rolling past deserted ghost towns, Texas didn't exactly turn into a full-on spaghetti western. But there sure was a whole lot of shootin' goin' on. According to folks who keep tabs on such things (because apparently someone enjoys that particular hobby), there were some doozies in 2023.
We're talkin' mass shootings, mind you. Not ranchers having a disagreement over the proper way to cook a brisket (although, let's be real, that could get heated too). These were the kind of situations where folks showed up with more lead than a school pencil factory.
The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Might Make You Wince)
Alright, alright, enough with the theatrics. Let's get down to brass tacks. How many mass shootings are we talking about here? Well, depending on who you ask, you might get a different answer. But some folks who track this stuff real close, like the Gun Violence Archive, say there were around 17 mass shootings in the Lone Star State in 2023. Ouch. That's a lot of firepower.
Important side note: For those of you who are curious about the exact definition of a "mass shooting," that can vary depending on the source. But generally, it means a shooting where multiple people are injured or killed, not including the shooter themselves.
So, What Now, Partner?
Look, this ain't exactly a cheerful topic. But hey, at least we're talking about it, right? Maybe by shining a light on this situation, we can all do our part to make sure Texas stays a place where folks can enjoy their freedoms, without living in constant fear.
Here's to hoping 2024 sees a whole lot less shootin' and a whole lot more boot scootin'.
