On Tuesday, May 24th, a shooter attacked students at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, a second, third, and fourth-grade elementary school about 85 miles west of San Antonio. Nineteen students and two teachers were killed, along with the shooter, who was fatally shot by law enforcement. The victims were Jaliah Nicole Silguero, 10; Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, 10; Jackie Cazares, 10; Uziyah Garcia, 8; Amerie Jo Garza, 10; Xavier Lopez, 10; Alithia Ramirez, 10; Annabell Rodriguez, 10; Eliahana Cruz Torres, student; Rojelio Torres, 10; Irma Garcia, a fourth-grade teacher of 23 years; and Eva Mireles, a fourth-grade teacher of 17 years. Learn more about them on KSAT.
The Uvalde school shooting was the deadliest school shooting in Texas history and the second-largest attack on the Latino community (in 2019, 23 people were killed in a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas). Although there have been eight mass shootings in Texas over the past 13 years, the state has continued to loosen gun restrictions (Texas Tribune).
Here are direct and tangible ways to support the Uvalde community and others reeling from gun violence and advocate for stricter gun control.
Follow local journalists.
Misinformation spreads quickly during mass tragedies. If you’re trying to stay informed and updated, follow and rely on firsthand sources, including local journalists and reporters in the area. Avoid sharing information that has not been verified.
Here are some publications we recommend: The Texas Tribune, Austin American-Statesman, and Texas Public Radio.
Demand the NRA convention be canceled.
On Friday, May 27, the National Rifle Association is hosting its annual convention in Houston, Texas, just hours from the Uvalde community. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz, and former President Trump are expected to speak. This isn’t its first ill-timed event. In 1999, after the school shooting at Columbine, the community tried to pressure the NRA to cancel its convention that was scheduled just days later in Denver, but they moved forward with it anyway (NPR).
Sign this petition to show your support for canceling the convention.
Join the protest organized by Houston Moms Demand, Black Lives Matter Houston, and other local organizers to rally during the convention.
Donate directly to victims and the community.
GoFundMe has created the Texas Elementary School Shooting Relief page that lists all the current verified fundraisers dedicated to helping the victims and survivors of the shooting, including the Victims First fundraiser.
The Uvalde School District has created a fundraiser with the First State Bank of Uvalde. Donations can be dropped off at any of their locations. Checks can be made out to “Robb School Memorial Fund” and sent to PO Box 1908, Uvalde, TX 78802. You can also make a donation using Zelle to robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.
You can also support the Uvalde community by donating to local organizations. St. Henry De Osso Family Project promotes wellness and holistic growth through family-based tutoring, parenting classes, physical activity, and emotional and spiritual development.
Join volunteer legal services.
The San Antonio Legal Services Association is seeking volunteer attorneys who are licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Your support will help the families of the victims seek justice.
Donate blood.
Consider giving blood at your local blood center. In South Texas, you can donate blood and blood products at SouthTexasBlood and DonateBloodToday.
Even if you are not based in Texas, consider donating blood this month in remembrance of those who passed, and in preparedness for the next emergency to unfold near you. Here’s a list of blood drives near you.
Support people impacted by gun violence.
The heartbreak that happened in Uvalde is echoed in communities across the country. Here are tangible ways to uplift families impacted by gun violence.
- Moms Bonded By Grief, is a community organization committed to providing healing practices for parents. Make donations by sending a check to the address below, or on Cashapp: $MBBG2017. P.O. Box 6061, Philadelphia, PA 19154
- Texas Gun Sense is the only statewide gun violence prevention organization founded in Texas. Donate here.
Text ACT to 644-33 to join Everytown, which will send you ways to address gun violence based on your zip code.