FORT WORTH, Texas — City leaders, law enforcement officials, and community partners on Tuesday launched a new citywide campaign aimed at reducing illegal gunfire and promoting responsible firearm ownership ahead of the summer months.
The initiative was announced during a press conference led by the Fort Worth Police Department, the City of Fort Worth, and community organizations focused on public safety and gun violence prevention.
Officials said the campaign is intended to reduce stray bullet incidents by increasing public awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of reckless gun use.
According to city data presented during the announcement, arrests related to illegal gunfire increased 28% between 2024 and 2025. Officials also reported that arrests tied to illegal gunfire during January and February increased 115% between 2024 and 2026.
Authorities said as many as one-third of celebratory gunfire injuries result in death.
“We will aggressively investigate illegal gunfire incidents and hold offenders accountable,” said Eddie Garcia.
Mayor Mattie Parker said the city intends to strictly enforce laws involving illegal gunfire and warned residents about the potential criminal consequences.
“If a stray bullet from your gun kills someone, you will be arrested and potentially charged with murder,” Parker said during the press conference.
Garcia also emphasized concerns involving unsecured firearms, saying weapons left improperly stored in homes and vehicles are contributing to violent crime.
“Too many lives are in danger because people are firing guns illegally in our neighborhoods,” Garcia said. “And too many firearms are falling into the wrong hands because they are not properly stored or are left unsecured inside vehicles overnight.”
The campaign also includes participation from Cook Children's Health Care System and its Aim for Safety initiative, which focuses on preventing accidental shootings involving children.
Daniel Guzman, medical director for Cook Children’s Center for Community Health, said the program provides free or low-cost gun locks and promotes safe firearm storage education for families.
“These tragedies are preventable,” Guzman said.
City officials said the campaign will focus on education, awareness, and community outreach throughout the summer as part of broader efforts to improve neighborhood safety and reduce preventable gun violence.
