San Antonio has unveiled the "Call the Shots" public awareness campaign to address the peril celebratory gunfire represents. The initiative, launched just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations, seeks to remind the city's population that unleashing bullets into the air is not only illegal in Texas but also terribly unsafe and accountable for property damage and potential loss of life, as reported by the City of San Antonio.
After a significant rise in calls from concerned residents, District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo and District 7 Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito, in September of 2024, they initiated a joint Council Consideration Request to explore public service campaigns on this issue. Having found the approval of the City's Governance Committee on January 15, the campaign aims to educate residents on the dangers and how to report such incidents. According to a report released at City of San Antonio, Councilmember Castillo said, "Celebratory gunfire puts lives at risk and has no place in our neighborhoods. The 'Call the Shots' campaign is a vital reminder to celebrate responsibly and to immediately report any gunfire to the San Antonio Police Department's non-emergency hotline at 210-207-SAPD."
With an emphasis on community safety, the "Call the Shots" campaign stands as a testament to local government's dedication to protecting residents. It introduces various facets like digital media promotion, neighborhood outreaches, and cooperating with community leaders to deliver its crucial message. As the program unfolds, heightened enforcement is expected during peak holiday times, reinforcing how serious San Antonio takes the matter. "Celebratory gunfire can have deadly consequences," Police Chief William McManus told the City of San Antonio, highlighting the bullets' unpredictability and the damage they cause.
Strict penalties are in place for anyone caught firing guns in celebration. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales warned that offenders will be fully prosecuted. The campaign urges people to report gunfire by calling the San Antonio Police at 210-207-SAPD (7273). It also uses media and social media to educate the public and help prevent these dangerous acts, as reported by the City of San Antonio.
As reported incidents of stray bullets during celebratory times like New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July increase, San Antonio's decisive action through the "Call the Shots" campaign becomes more urgent. For further details on the initiative or to learn how to report unsafe celebratory gunfire, residents can visit SA.gov/CallTheShots or directly contact the San Antonio Police Department's non-emergency number, as per the City of San Antonio.
