Fort Worth Launches Educational Campaign to Combat Illegal Gunfire

The City of Fort Worth and partners announced the launch of a new educational program aimed at preventing illegal gunfire this week. The slogan is, "Pull the trigger. Pay the price."

The city held a press conference to launch the citywide illegal gunfire educational campaign on Tuesday. City officials explained that illegal gunfire is terrorizing the citizens of Fort Worth.

According to officials, the city will spend the summer months working with the community to reduce incidents of stray bullets by increasing understanding of the risks and consequences of reckless gun use.

Between 2024 and 2025, arrests related to illegal gunfire increased by 28% in Fort Worth. Looking at just January and February of the past three years, arrests related to illegal gunfire rose 115% between 2024 and 2026.

Additionally, as many as one-third of celebratory gunfire injuries result in death.

"The Fort Worth Police Department takes illegal gunfire seriously and prosecutes to the fullest extent of the law," said Mayor Mattie Parker. "If a stray bullet from your gun kills someone, you will be arrested and potentially charged with murder."

Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia added that illegal gunfire and unsecured firearms are contributing to violent crime and putting lives at risk.

"Too many lives are in danger because people are firing guns illegally in our neighborhoods," said. "And too many firearms are falling into the wrong hands because they are not properly stored or are left unsecured inside vehicles overnight. This is preventable, and it has to stop."

Watch the full press conference on YouTube here. The city also released three educational videos to kick off the campaign: Stop Illegal Gunfire: "Hitting Home" featuring Councilmember Carlos Flores, Stop Illegal Gunfire: "Hitting Home" featuring Mercy Mungwa, and Stop Illegal Gunfire: What Goes Up. Will Come Down.