SAN ANTONIO — On Monday, shootings took place at two H-E-B parking lots which is now sparking conversation over what lawmakers should do to combat gun violence in San Antonio.
A mother and 3-year-old child were grazed by bullets after a gunman opened fire outside the H-E-B at San Pedro and Oblate Monday night. Another man that was with the mother at the time fired back at the gunman and hit him. Police say the 17-year-old gunman was taken to the hospital and will be charged with aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon.
Police have yet to identify the 17-year-old by Tuesday afternoon, as he was in the hospital and not yet officially booked into the Bexar County jail.
Earlier on Monday, another gunman tried to rob the H-E-B at East Houston and New Braunfels. Police said security guards tried to follow the man into the parking lot and the robber fired on them. Both guards were hit but they then fired back and killed the gunman.
Local Moms Demand Action volunteer Angie Jehn told KENS 5 something needs to change.
"It shouldn't be like this. I wouldn't say that I'm surprised, no. But is it shocking? Yes!" Jehn said. "We shouldn't have to fear going to our local H-E-B, our local Walgreens... our malls."
Jehn said more people need to get involved in curbing gun violence, and she hopes more people will get involved in proactive programs like Stand Up SA, which is run by the city. Stand Up SA supports positive parenting and works to stop child abuse and neglect. She also supported San Antonio's gun buy-back event last month.
Moms Demand Action is still calling on the Texas Legislature for changes as well.
"I believe that our Texas lawmakers have a responsibility to pass sensible gun laws and they have done nothing to support gun legislation," Jehn said. "We have to elect gun-sense candidates that will prioritize gun safety."
Jehn said part of the problem is constitutional carry, which was signed by the governor in 2021. Previously, Texas required residents to obtain a license to carry for handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. She said the bill should be repealed.
Jehn said Moms Demand Action also wants to see universal background checks on all gun sales and to have protective orders that can remove a persons guns temporarily to protect other family members.
"These are things that are sensible and laws that the majority of Texans want," Jehn said.