Texas Governor, Senate Hopeful Clash Over Gun Reform After Austin Shooting

Greg Abbott and James Talarico trade sharp words on social media following deadly West Sixth Street attack

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico engaged in a heated exchange on social media over the need for gun reform legislation in the wake of a mass shooting in Austin's popular West Sixth Street entertainment district. Talarico called for common-sense gun safety measures, while Abbott argued the issue was not the "gun show loophole" but rather "unvetted immigrant" policies.

Why it matters

The back-and-forth between the high-profile political figures highlights the ongoing partisan divide over gun policy in Texas, even in the aftermath of a deadly mass shooting. It also underscores the role that immigration and national security issues are playing in the state's U.S. Senate race.

The details

In a video posted on X, Talarico discussed the need for legislative changes like universal background checks, red flag laws, and closing the gun show loophole. He criticized the "thoughts and prayers" rhetoric from Texas leaders. Abbott pushed back, arguing the problem was not the "gun show loophole" but rather "unvetted immigrant" policies that allow "people hostile to America" to enter the country. Talarico responded that "dangerous people" should not be allowed to get guns, regardless of their immigration status.

  • The mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning in Austin's West Sixth Street entertainment district.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Republican Governor of Texas.

James Talarico

A Democratic state representative and U.S. Senate candidate in Texas.

Ndiaga Diagne

The 53-year-old Senegalese native and naturalized U.S. citizen identified as the shooting suspect, who was shot and killed by police.

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What they’re saying

“We prayed, and God sent moms from both political parties to advocate in the halls of power for gun safety. We prayed, and God sent lawmakers with common-sense gun safety proposals like universal background checks, redflag laws and closing the gun show loophole.”

— James Talarico, U.S. Senate Candidate (X)

“Allowing unvetted immigrants who are hostile to America, who are loyal to our adversaries like Iran, must end. This was an act of terror, James. The way to end it is to end the current open immigration policies. You and your immigration policies would make America less safe.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (X)

“Texans understand this — you apparently don't.”

— James Talarico, U.S. Senate Candidate (X)

What’s next

Officials are continuing to investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism, and the governor has offered state resources to assist the city of Austin.

The takeaway

The political clash between Abbott and Talarico over gun reform and immigration policy in the wake of the Austin mass shooting underscores the deep partisan divisions on these issues in Texas, even as the community grapples with the tragic loss of life.